Lecture examines archeological survey

The Bones, Totems and Middens lecture series continues Friday (Jan. 19) at Malaspina University-College.

Presented by the Archaeological Society of B.C. Nanaimo branch, the 7 p.m. discussion will examine the results of recent inventory work conducted by the Hamatla Treaty Society’s Foreshore and Archaeological Management Training and Research Project.

The HTS is a group of four First Nations on north-central Vancouver Island working together toward treaty.

In the summer of 2006, the HTS obtained funding to conduct archaeological fieldwork on fish traps and clam gardens (loxiwe) within their territory.

Previously, a few, primarily stone fish traps, had been recorded in rivers and creeks, and at Comox Harbour, numerous large wooden stake traps were gaining wide recognition.

Other than this, little was known about the location and density of fish traps in HTS lands.

The same was true for clam gardens. Much inventory work had been done in the Broughton Archipelago, but only a small pocket of Quadra Island had been surveyed within HTS territory.

The HTS was certain there were more traps and gardens waiting to be recorded. They were right.

Research indicates that fish traps and clam gardens, of varying shape and size, are numerous throughout HTS territory.

This discussion will present the results of the inventory work, including the results of radiocarbon dating completed on fish trap stakes, and some preliminary thoughts about what this data means for the HTS and for the archaeological record.

The lecture takes place at 7 p.m. at Malaspina University-College’s Building 356, Room 109.

Admission is free to society members and $5 at the door for non-members.

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