Thursday May 7, 2026

Toolkit: Introduction to Digital Data Collection and Management in Archaeology

Date/Time: Thursday May 7, 2026, 10:30 am–12:00 pm
Location: Canmore Coast Hotel and Conference Centre
Capacity: 30
Cost: $10.00/participant
Contact: François Guindon - Archéoconsultant inc. f.guindon@archeoconsultant.ca (www.atoolkit.ca)

This interactive workshop offers a hands-on experience of Toolkit, the first bespoke and complete digital tool for professional archaeologists. Through a series of realistic archaeological project scenarios, participants will use the platform as they would in real-world field and office conditions.

The workshop covers the complete archaeological workflow, from data recording to stratigraphic drawing and the export of final, report-ready outputs. Emphasis is placed on workflow integration, scientific rigour, and the efficiency gains enabled by a digital approach developed by archaeologists and for archaeologists. Participants will use their own phone for this workshop.

Friday May 8, 2026

Artifact Conservation & Analysis: Tips, Tricks, Techniques & Best Practices

Date/Time: Friday May 8, 2026, 9:00 am–11:30 am
Location: Canmore Coast Hotel and Conference Centre
Capacity: 40
Cost: $25.00/participant

Join professionals in the field of artifact conservation and analysis to learn and discuss best practices for artifact conservation and handling, and possibilities for artifact analysis. This session moves beyond the basics to explore conservation techniques, modern analysis technology, and the delicate art of professional handling.
Through talks, demonstrations and open discussion, you will learn to stabilize, identify, and protect the integrity of your collection.

This projectile point is from a site near Brazeau Reservoir. Atlatl Archaeology did blood residue analysis and determined that it was used on Bison bison (Photo - Courtesy of Courtney Lakevold).

The Highlights

• Cleaning and Conservation: Techniques for cleaning and processing diverse material types without causing irreversible damage.
• Analysis Tech: Exploring modern possibilities for analyzing artifacts or other relevant material at a site.
• Strategic Storage: Professional best practices for housing and labeling collections for the long term.
   

Student Workshop

Date/Time: Friday May 8, 2026, 12:00 pm–1:30 pm
Location: Canmore Coast Hotel and Conference Centre
Capacity: 40. Registration is required
Cost: Complimentary

Hand Drum Making Workshop

Date/Time: Friday May 8, 2026. 1:30 pm–5:30 pm
Location: Canmore Museum, 902B 7th Avenue Canmore
Capacity: 10
Cost: $225.00/participant for a 10" drum (materials provided)

Join Stoney Elder artist, Helmer Twoyoungmen, at the Canmore Museum for a hand drum making workshop.

Helmer Twoyoungmen is a grandfather and actor from the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. He teaches his culture to others, including students at local schools, and hosts guests to share the knowledge he has learned. Hand drums are used for ceremonies, healing and community bonding. They are constructed in the traditional way from rawhide tightened over wooden frames. Participants will have the opportunity to make a hand drum and drum stick, learn how to use it, while learning about drum teachings and Stoney culture.

Saturday May 9, 2026

Nature Journaling with Dawn Saunders Dahl of Listen Studios – Canmore, AB
Reconnect and re-imagine nature through the lens of an artist

Date/Time: Saturday May 9, 2026, 9:00 am–11:30 am
Location: Meet at the Coast Hotel front doors (Canmore)
Capacity: 20
Cost: $75.00/participant (includes GST)
(includes sketchbook, pencil and eraser to take home)

Nature journaling invites you to slow down and build a personal connection with the environment. Drawing inspiration from the way archaeologists record field notes, this workshop offers a fresh perspective on the world. Whether you want to sharpen your observation skills or simply find a creative way to explore, Dawn Saunders Dahl of Listen Studios will guide you through Canmore's beautiful landscapes of Spring Creek and the Bow River.

What to Expect:

• A guided walk through Canmore’s natural paths.
• Creative prompts focused on observing, questioning, and connecting.
• Hands-on practice filling sketchbook pages with pencils, inks, and watercolors.
• No experience required: You don’t need to be an artist or a naturalist to join!