The James and Margaret Pendergast Award for Avocational Archaeology is given in memory of the Pendergasts; Jim was a dedicated avocational archaeologist whose body of research and written work would be the envy of many a professional. While Jim did the field work and writing, Margaret was no less involved in that she provided a continuous open house for the many archaeologists, students and others who would stop by to visit.
The 2007 James and Margaret Pendergast Award goes to Dale Kennedy of Bird Cove, Newfoundland and Labrador
Dale has been a pioneer in developing community-based archaeology in his home province since 1993, combining a deep respect for his roots and concern for a fading way of life with a growing determination to extend the knowledge of his region’s history. Dale has been instrumental in creating the Bird Cove Archaeology Project, a research project on Newfoundland’s Northern Peninsula, that in just ten years has made major contributions to understanding and reevaluating Newfoundland’s pre-contact and historic period.
Dale’s contributions to archaeology in western Newfoundland have been very significant in terms of support for both research and public education. However, this nomination is based as much on his contributions to his community and to providing a model for community-based archaeology in Newfoundland and in Canada. Over the past decade the Big Droke Foundation and the Bird Cove Archaeology Project have provided nearly 300 seasonal jobs to local residents, including employment in the archaeological field projects (where a highly skilled cadre of local field workers has been trained and recruited to work on international projects), as staff in the Interpretation Centre, and as construction workers in renovating the Interpretation Centre and building educational infrastructure including walkways to sites and onsite interpretation panels. The field projects and the museum have brought tourists and visitors to the Bird Cove region, significantly benefiting the local hotel and other businesses. Among the visitors have been archaeological professionals and students from a number of countries.
His dedication to the survival of his community via self-education and determination has resulted in 10 years of training for and research by various student archaeologists. The tourism and economic benefits are equally wonderful.
Dale Kennedy also represents a lot of heritage minded individuals who turn over their archaeological discoveries, local knowledge and volunteer time to academic, museum or consulting archaeologists. Sometimes their names appear in the Acknowledgements section of resulting research reports, but sadly sometimes they do not. We are pleased to present him with the Pendergast Award to recognize his past, and encourage his future, achievements.
Sincerely,
Pat Allen