By Dr. Leigh Syms, Curator Emeritus, Manitoba Museum
& Dr. Sara Halwas

Manitoba Museum Auditorium

In June 2016, the University of Manitoba’s Department of Anthropology led a field school in Lockport as part of a long-term investigation on pre-contact Aboriginal farming practices in Western Canada. Soil samples for later floral analysis were collected to investigate plant taxa associated with the occupation of this portion of the Lockport site dating to CE (A.D.) 1250-1450. Field school students learned the basics of archaeological excavation and soil sampling and gained practical archaeobotanical and archaeological laboratory experience.

Research results and analysis were integrated into a TV documentary, developed by Coleen Rajotte (a First Nations film producer), that focuses on plant recoveries that provided new insights into First Nations traditional knowledge, and highlights the significant contributions women played in day-to-day subsistence.

Join Drs. Syms and Halwas for their presentation summary of results on the field school excavation, artifacts identified by the students, and results of the floral analysis.

All talks in the Brown Bag Lunch Series are included with admission to any of our three venues (Museum, Science Gallery or Planetarium), or FREE for members! Bring your lunch, and join us in the Auditorium for a noon-hour talk from one of our amazing Museum staff members.