All Resources

2016 flood mitigation excavations at EfPm-267, EePk-253, and EePj-103 (Margaret’s Site) on the Bow River

Description

Excavations at three archaeological sites located on the Bow River in Calgary or in relatively close proximity to the east were commissioned in 2016 in response to the floods of 2013. These three... More ≫

Description

Excavations at three archaeological sites located on the Bow River in Calgary or in relatively close proximity to the east were commissioned in 2016 in response to the floods of 2013. These three sites were impacted by the floods and are in imminent threat of further erosion and information loss. The three sites produced evidence of site occupations ranging from the Middle Precontact Period through to the Protohistoric and Historic Periods. Most significantly, excavation and radiocarbon dating at EePj-103 and EePk-253 indicate that both sites have evidence of terminal Late Period and/or Protohistoric Period occupations, likely representing portions of the same settlement pattern system on the Bow River at that time. Part of the 37th volume of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper series, which contains 18 articles exploring multiple facets of the impact on archaeological resources of the 2013 flood in southern Alberta.

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Recognizing macrofossils : a pictorial guide to some common seeds and shells from alluvial deposits in southern Alberta

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Macrofossils such as seeds and shells are excellent resources for reconstructing past environments. This paper reviews diagnostic characteristics and presents microphotographs of fossil and modern... More ≫

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Macrofossils such as seeds and shells are excellent resources for reconstructing past environments. This paper reviews diagnostic characteristics and presents microphotographs of fossil and modern specimens of taxa commonly encountered in near-stream sediment samples from a southern Alberta flood investigation program. The goal of this paper is to provide critical identification information about the target taxa to non-specialists. We hope that this will promote the further collection of macroremain-rich samples and provide a foundational approach for describing seeds and shells. Part of the 37th volume of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper series, which contains 18 articles exploring multiple facets of the impact on archaeological resources of the 2013 flood in southern Alberta.

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After the flood : investigations of impacts to archaeological resources from the 2013 flood in southern Alberta

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In an effort to share research outcomes with the public and heritage community across Alberta, this issue of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta’s Occasional Paper Series is dedicated to the... More ≫

Description

In an effort to share research outcomes with the public and heritage community across Alberta, this issue of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta’s Occasional Paper Series is dedicated to the Southern Alberta Flood Investigation Program. This 37th volume of the series consists of 18 articles which explore multiple facets of the impact on archaeological resources of the 2013 flood.

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The Ramsfield collection : a multi-occupation site near the Highwood River

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Presents the findings of a study of the the private artifact collection, EdPl-40 (the Ramsfield collection), during the 2014 post-flood impact assessment of the Highwood River. The Ramsfield... More ≫

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Presents the findings of a study of the the private artifact collection, EdPl-40 (the Ramsfield collection), during the 2014 post-flood impact assessment of the Highwood River. The Ramsfield collection consists of a variety of artifacts including projectile points from the Middle and Late Periods with materials including Montana cherts, Knife River Flint, petrified wood, local chert, quartzite, and porcellanite. Part of the 37th volume of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper series, which contains 18 articles exploring multiple facets of the impact on archaeological resources of the 2013 flood in southern Alberta.

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A river of knowledge : observations and lessons about archaeological resources from the Southern Alberta Flood Investigation Program

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Alberta Culture and Tourism initiated the Southern Alberta Flood Investigation Program following the June 2013 flooding in southern Alberta to understand how historic resources had been affected... More ≫

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Alberta Culture and Tourism initiated the Southern Alberta Flood Investigation Program following the June 2013 flooding in southern Alberta to understand how historic resources had been affected during the event and to provide information about effective management of these historic resources in the future. Reconnaissance of nearly 485 kilometres of rivers and creeks in southern Alberta led to the examination of 243 archaeological sites. Results of the program provide new insights into Alberta’s Protohistoric Period. The program has provided a legacy of baseline archaeological information that can be used to monitor archaeological resources within southern Alberta’s dynamic riverine landscapes. Part of the 37th volume of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper series, which contains 18 articles exploring multiple facets of the impact on archaeological resources of the 2013 flood in southern Alberta.

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Alberta’s culture-historical model and the Southern Alberta Flood Investigation Program

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The Southern Alberta Flood Investigation Program resulted in the recovery of substantial amounts of archaeological material. Excavations were conducted at highly threatened sites. The artifact... More ≫

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The Southern Alberta Flood Investigation Program resulted in the recovery of substantial amounts of archaeological material. Excavations were conducted at highly threatened sites. The artifact assemblages recovered from these excavations both support our current understanding of Alberta’s past and challenge some long-held ideas. The new information supports recently conceived ideas of the Calderwood Complex, Bracken Phase, and Avonlea-Old Women’s Transition. As well, long-held notions of the Old Women’s Phase are supported. Still, the study provides substantial evidence that the protohistoric Old Women’s Phase/Blackfoot is more complex than originally believed, with a possible intrusion by the Highwood Phase/Shoshone. Furthermore, there is evidence during the protohistoric Old Women’s Phase/Blackfoot for a more rapid change than previously considered from traditional to European goods. Part of the 37th volume of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper series, which...

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The Highwood River’s tale : impacts to heritage resources by the 2013 southern Alberta flood

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In 2014, Stantec Consulting Ltd. carried out an in depth survey of the Highwood River valley for archaeological, historic, and palaeontological resources. In addition to revisiting known sites and... More ≫

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In 2014, Stantec Consulting Ltd. carried out an in depth survey of the Highwood River valley for archaeological, historic, and palaeontological resources. In addition to revisiting known sites and recording new ones, the project provided risk assessments relative to flood related impacts and site management strategies. New sites were recorded all along the Highwood River and several known sites were found to be much richer than previously thought. Additionally, numerous new Quaternary microfaunal, macrofaunal, and palaeoenvironmental sites were recorded during the palaeontological survey. This paper presents a brief summary of the program, including a case study of a joint archaeological and palaeontological locality. Part of the 37th volume of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper series, which contains 18 articles exploring multiple facets of the impact on archaeological resources of the 2013 flood in southern Alberta.

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The 2015 flood assessment program for Tongue Creek

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The 2013 flood has presented an unparalleled opportunity to document historic resources sites exposed by the flood event. In a 2015 flood assessment survey along Tongue Creek, 20 new... More ≫

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The 2013 flood has presented an unparalleled opportunity to document historic resources sites exposed by the flood event. In a 2015 flood assessment survey along Tongue Creek, 20 new archaeological sites and 12 palaeontological and palaeoenvironmental sites were documented. This survey has shed light on the late precontact use of the valley by Indigenous people, including large-scale communal bison hunting practices. Part of the 37th volume of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper series, which contains 18 articles exploring multiple facets of the impact on archaeological resources of the 2013 flood in southern Alberta.

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Finding traces of trading places on the Highwood River

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Assessment excavations were completed in the fall of 2016 at the Spitzee Post (EdPl-13) and the Metke Site (EdPl-10). Recognizing the value of historic resources along these drainages, these... More ≫

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Assessment excavations were completed in the fall of 2016 at the Spitzee Post (EdPl-13) and the Metke Site (EdPl-10). Recognizing the value of historic resources along these drainages, these archaeological studies were conducted to assess erosional impacts of the 2013 flood on these two sites. Conclusions highlight the importance of this ford on the Highwood River over the last 5,000 years or more. Part of the 37th volume of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper series, which contains 18 articles exploring multiple facets of the impact on archaeological resources of the 2013 flood in southern Alberta.

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The Bow River flood study : a tale of past, present, and future

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In 2013 and 2014, Lifeways of Canada completed an assessment of the impacts of the 2013 flood of the Bow River on palaeontological and archaeological resources. Assessment studies focused on... More ≫

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In 2013 and 2014, Lifeways of Canada completed an assessment of the impacts of the 2013 flood of the Bow River on palaeontological and archaeological resources. Assessment studies focused on visually assessing erosional exposures observed along this stretch of the river and documenting historic resources when found. These studies resulted in the discovery and documentation of approximately 50 archaeological sites and palaeontological finds, of which well over half are newly discovered sites. Part of the 37th volume of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta Occasional Paper series, which contains 18 articles exploring multiple facets of the impact on archaeological resources of the 2013 flood in southern Alberta.

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