The Comox Field School


This summer, I am participating in an archaeological field school through Simon Fraser University. We will working around Courtney BC for the K’omoks First Nation (see page “A Brief History of Comox” for map). 
 There are several reasons why we are conducting a field school. Firstly, it gives students real world experience in archaeological methods, practices and how archaeology works out in the field. We are working for and in collaboration with the K’omoks First Nation (which the main office is in Courtney).
Our basic objectives with this field school are too better define the extent of previously known sites, asses the integrity of the sites and to gather information about the function, age, seasonality etc. about the sites.
The work that we will do this summer will help to provide a more detailed understanding of the archaeological record in the area, help formulate strategies for future investigation and to aid in the future management of the site.
The major principles of this and other archaeological projects are...
Responsible Research: the very nature of archaeological sites and resources are non-renewable; when they are excavated, it destroys the site. Research and excavations have to be done thoroughly and responsibly, otherwise those sites are being destroyed for nothing.
Partnership and Service to the K'omoks First Nation: we are doing this field research for, and in conjunction with the K'omoks First Nation. Out objectives and scope of the research has been defined and set by them.
Public Archaeology: to make archaeology more relevant and accessible to the public, which is the reason for this blog as well.

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