Interprovincial Conference Showcases Archaeological Sites
An Alberta and Saskatchewan interprovincial archaeology conference was held in Bodo, April 30 to May 3. Over 135 professional and avocational archaeologists met to learn about an array of prehistoric and historic discoveries throughout Alberta and Saskatchewan. 

The conference started with a wine and cheese reception hosted by the Provost & District Museum Society at the museum in Provost.  Although a few participants camped at Bodo, most stayed at motels in Provost and commuted to Bodo over the weekend. 

Saskatchewan’s  Minister of Tourism, Culture, Parks and Sport, Christine Tell addressed the crowd on Saturday morning. She referred to the interprovincial conference by saying that more is accomplished “by collaborating and sharing ideas.” She also said that “We realize the volunteers are the lifeblood of organizations like this” and added that “I share your curiosity about the past.” The tourism minister told The News that she had never been to Bodo.

Friday’s presentations wrapped up with the annual general meeting of the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society and tours of the Bodo archaeological sites, followed by barbecued buffalo burgers and a friendly competition between Alberta and Saskatchewan teams to raise two large tepees now situated at Bodo. Each tepee will sleep 20 people and overnight camping will now be added to the educational trips planned for school students.

Saturday concluded with the annual general meeting of the Archaeological Society of Alberta and the unveiling of Alberta’s new archaeology website (www.arkyalberta.com). At the close of the meeting, Elizabeth Mann and Leila Grobel, this year’s co-chairs of the Alberta Archaeological Society, turned the gavel over to Joanne Braaten, president of the Calgary Archaeological Centre, who will host next year’s Alberta conference in conjunction with the Canadian Archaeological Association.