Abstract

This presentation takes a look at the activities of the University of Calgary's Programme for Public Archaeology at Fish Creek Provincial Park during the 1999 field season. We discuss public involvement in the excavation of a prehistoric bison kill site and an early historic settlement site within the Calgary area (Fish Creek Provincial Park). Included in the discussion are programme promotion and publicity, the geo-topography of the Fish Creek area, as well as historic and prehistoric background information on both of the excavated sites. Also discussed is the continuation of the program through volunteer work in the lab and undergraduate analysis of the excavated material. We have realized that Public Archaeology is an area deserving further academic study and application. There are numerous archaeological programs that cater to the public within the United States, through university programs and programs offered by museums, but have found Canada, especially Alberta, generally lacking in such programs. The expansion of this Programme for Public Archaeology will lead to an increase in the visibility of students, and the Department of Archaeology within The University of Calgary on a community, provincial, and (hopefully) regional scale. As well, this programme may create new avenues for funding and a greater understanding of Alberta's cultural heritage resources.