Abstract

Archaeological surveying in the Peace River valley of British Columbia in the summers of 1974 and 1975 was funded by B.C. Hydro as part of an impact assessment program for proposed hydroelectric reservoirs. Over 300 sites have been recorded to date on the basis of both judgemental and probabilistic sampling procedures. Artifact typologies and geochronology indicate occupation of the area from at least 10-11,000 B.P. although no excavated sequences are yet established. Projectile point types frequently indicate close ties with the Northwestern and Central Plains. Of special interest was the relocation of a number of Northwest Company and Hudson's Bay fur trade forts, including the earliest such site on the mainland of British Columbia, established ca. 1794.