From Sherri Bell, President
The revealing by the Penelakut Tribe of 160+ undocumented and unmarked graves on the grounds of the former Kuper Island Industrial School and foreshore deepens the pain of all Indigenous peoples.
Digging for human stories
Credential
Certificate
Area of Study
Arts & Humanities
Study options
Part-time
Off-campus
Work experience
Clinical and fieldwork placement
Open to International
No
Length
Four weekends and three evenings
At a glance image
Start in May!
British Columbia's rich history can be traced back 12,000 years through oral tradition and archaeological sites. Over 90% of the archaeology work done in British Columbia is completed by contract archaeologists in compliance with provincial heritage legislation. If you are interested in archaeology in BC or if you are an Indigenous member working with heritage in your communities, this intensive program will teach you respectful applied skills.
In the Archaeology Field Assistant program you will learn a diverse set of skills, such as the use of appropriate technology to identify and efficiently record archaeological features and sites, use respectful practices, and follow Indigenous cultural protocols. You'll also be introduced to provincial heritage legislation and Indigenous perspectives of archaeology.
This program will prepare individuals for employment in the Cultural Resource Management industry as archaeological field assistants or for work in other resource inventory jobs, and is meant to complement other credentials such as a Bachelor of Arts.
The Archaeological Field Assistant program is offered every May. The program is four weekends and three evenings long, starting the first week with a Thursday evening introductory session. You'll learn through on-campus labs and lectures, and also hear from guest speakers including archaeologists and Indigenous elders. You'll get outside for multiple field trips as well as participation in a local applied field project.
Field components of this program are physically demanding. You should be physically fit, be able to perform routine archaeological duties, and be prepared to work outdoors in all weather conditions. Appropriate footwear and rain gear is necessary, and you will need to purchase a basic toolkit specified by the instructor. Full participation every day of the program is a requirement.
If you are an anthropology student or graduate, or an Indigenous community member interested in working on cultural resource management projects within your traditional territory, this intensive program will teach you respectful and accurate survey skills you will need to participate as a field assistant on contract archaeology projects.
Effective from September 1, 2021 to August 31, 2022.
$644 (domestic)
There are many financial resources to tap into while you are at college to help with your education and living costs. Apply for scholarships & awards that are specifically given to program students, as well as awards specific to the School of Arts and Science.
You may also want to visit Financial Aid & Awards for more information about funding.
When you apply you will need to submit proof that you meet the following admission requirements.
Tip: Where a letter grade is specified, you must have proof of that grade or higher.
One of:
For more detailed information about this program and specific admission requirements, see the Academic Calendar.
Camosun College is fiercely proud of the excellent quality of its instruction. Our teaching staff are experienced, inspiring and supportive of our students' individual journeys.
Faculty/staff profile
Program Leader, Instructor
Find out more about learning outcomes and specific admission requirements.
Humanities Department
Program Leader Nicole Kilburn
Campus location
Camosun College Lansdowne
3100 Foul Bay Road
Victoria BC V8P 5J2
Location link
