Tse’k’wa Heritage Society and UNBC to host archeology event

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In partnership with the University of Northern British Columbia, archeology field schools have happened at Tse’k’wa in 2022 and 2024. (Photo Submitted by Tse’k’wa Heritage Society)

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. —Important Indigenous heritage site Tse’k’wa is teaming up with its field school partners to promote archeological efforts at the site in Charlie Lake.

Scheduled for Wednesday, August 27th, Tse’k’wa’s Archeology Night Out will be hosted by the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society’s executive director Alyssa Currie and Dr. Farid Rahemtulla.

Headed by Dr. Rahmetulla, the University of Northern British Columbia (UNBC) conducted field schools at the site in 2022 and 2024.

The site in Charlie Lake features a cave dating back to the Ice Age. It is owned by three northeast B.C. First Nations: Doig River First Nation (DRFN), Prophet River First Nation (PRFN) and West Moberly First Nations (WMFN), who purchased the site in 2012.

Currie told Energeticcity.ca while visitors of the site are familiar with historical excavations by Simon Fraser University (SFU), they might not be aware of recent archeological work.

“We have a multi-year archeological research partnership between the society, SFU and UNBC,” said Currie. “The society has previously hosted two archeology field schools taught by Dr. Rahemtulla.

“These field schools operate on a really unique model. First Nations community members learn side-by-side with UNBC students. This summer, we have been attending community events, and community members have wanted to learn more about our field schools, results from these schools and how the partnership came to be.”

Rahemtulla and Currie will discuss the development of the UNBC field school model and show actual findings from the schools conducted in 2022 and 2024.

Not only will the free event be open to the public at the Treaty 8 Tribal Association in Fort St. John, it will also be streamed live for those who are interested but unable to come.

“This is a fabulous opportunity to actually see those artefacts that were uncovered during both field schools,” said Currie. “It’s [a chance] to see what’s going on with archeology in our community and to show support for future research with the universities.”

Currie added the society is currently “in discussions” for what future field schools may look like at Tse’k’wa, one of the only Indigenous-owned and operated heritage sites in Canada.

The drop-in event will start at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, August 27th, at the Treaty 8 Tribal Association’s offices at 10233 100th Avenue in Fort St. John.

For those who are interested in attending virtually, contact the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society by phone at 250-224-7906 or by email at tsekwaheritage@gmail.com