About Archaeology

What is archaeology? Archaeology is not the study of dinosaurs (that’s paleontology) as archaeologists are interested in what we can learn about human culture from the things that people leave behind. Through studying artifacts, we can learn about the lives, social organization, economic systems, religious beliefs, and cultural practices of the people who came before us.

Where can archaeology be done? Anywhere where people have lived, there will be archaeology. Humans as a species always leave traces of their lives behind; it is the job of archaeologists to find those traces, no matter how small they may be.

Is there archaeology in Alberta? Yes, there is so much archaeology in Alberta! There are over 40,000 recognized archaeological sites in Alberta, ranging from only a few decades old to over 13,000 years. The Historic Resources Act protects these sites and forms laws about how they are interacted with, studied, or the development that occurs on them.

Can I volunteer at with an archaeology dig? Yes you can volunteer to dig at the Bodo Archaeological sites regardless of your experience level or background knowledge. Click here for more information.

archaeological sites in alberta
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