Abstract

The 1988 Fort Selkirk Culture-History Project presented the opportunity for meaningful research and cross-cultural experiences at several different levels. On one level it was a traditional archaeological field school in which students were given exposure to methods and techniques of archaeological survey and excavation. On a second, and more important level, the participation of native elders provided both students (14 to 20 years old - none of whom had finished high school) and anthropologists with instruction in traditional culture and history, transforming a typical field school concept into something quite different and, we believe, much more valuable. This paper will discuss both the results of archaeological survey and excavation in the Fort Selkirk, Yukon, area and make suggestions for further projects which might attempt to unify archaeological research with the knowledge, experience, and values of local native groups.