Summer school can be cool... when it is about archaeology!
By Pierre M. Desrosiers
Anything more cool than summer school with Avataq? Avataq summer field school will be back in Akulivik this summer. We are planning a 5-week camp with around 10 students from Akulivik community. The main archaeological excavation will take place at the Kangiakallak-1 site (JeGn-2), located in the valley between Uigursiup Kangia and Kangiakallak where the ancient qarmait are located on Qikirtajuaq (Smith Island). The main aim of our involvement with Akulivik students is to encourage them to stay in school. Students will learn about local history, the basics of archaeological research and many other aspects such as geomorphology, palaeoenvironments, and preservation of artefacts as well as participating in traditional hunting with our local hunter-guide. As in previous field schools, Elders will play an important role in the training of the students.
In 2011, it was very interesting to receive many visitors from Akulivik during the excavations. We highly appreciated the support we received from the population and the local authorities! We encourage more visitors to come this year and to try out archaeology with us. An exhibit will be held at the end of the excavations. Also, we are working at planning activities with the students during the following school year. More information to come...
