Andrea Freeman

Archaeology is more than just digging in the dirt; it’s a gateway to understanding our past and preserving our cultural heritage. At âsowanânihk, a site rich in history and significance, we offer many volunteer opportunities for those passionate about archaeology. Whether you are a student, a history enthusiast, or someone looking to give back to the community, volunteering at âsowanânihk can be a rewarding experience. Why Volunteer in Archaeology? Volunteering in archaeological research...

In October, 2025, members of the community and youth from across Treaty 6 territory participated in screening of materials from the slump block near the archaeological site. While such materials found out of context from the places in which they were originally deposited are often seen as lacking value, the recovery of materials from near the hearth might help us to understand what activities took place in the area. In addition, the work provided an opportunity for youth to learn about the...

âsowanânihk is a unique site in terms of age and preservation. Materials collected along the bank of the North Saskatchewan River have revealed that people were present at the site shortly after meltwater emanating from the Laurentide ice sheet created a channel in the area over 10,000 years ago. Upon inspection of the bank and materials eroding from it, we were hopeful that the relict part of the site was more extensive, however, our coring program in Summer 2025 revealed that only a...