In Episode 6, Amanda and Kleanza Archaeologist, Kevin Haugrud, explore the subject of Geographic Information Services with GIS Specialist Mikaela Bennett, from Ecora in Kelowna. She explains how she uses different types of software to look at both spatial (ie. map) and tabular information (ie. spreadsheet) to get answers about a point or area. The conversation covers techniques, the possibilities inherent in this work, its’ challenges, and a bit about a career in GIS. Kevin got answers to all his questions which we hope he can explore more out in the field!

And if you want to dig a bit deeper into this subject, visit https://ecora.ca/

Our friend and field geophysicist, Péter Takács, from GeoScan Subsurface Surveys, joins Kleanza archaeologist Sheriff Hossain to talk about Ground Penetrating Radar. Their conversation touches on having a career in GPR, its advantages, different techniques, and the challenges of using GPR in archaeological, and geophysical surveys. This is one of Sheriff’s passions and he was able to gather a wealth of information to take into his work out in the field.

And if you want to dig a bit deeper into this subject, visit https://www.geoscan.ca/

We start the New Year with an incredibly moving and uplifting story. Amanda and guest host Brady McBride welcome Debbie Nagano, Director of Heritage for the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in Government and Dr. Grant Zazula who heads the Yukon government’s paleontology program to tell the story of the mummified baby mammoth, Nun Cho Ga, found in 2022. They discuss the profound opportunity this powerful event provides for Indigenous communities to learn about their own story, about their heritage, and reconnect to their language and the land. This small baby has brought healing to the Tr’ondëk Hwëch’in community and possibly changed the practice of paleontology. And so we honour Nun Cho Ga’s life.

*Content warning:* In this episode, Indian Residential Schools, gravesites, sacred sites and ancestral remains are discussed. These discussions may re-traumatize or trigger listeners because of the sensitive content related to the search for unmarked graves of children who attended Indian Residential Schools. If you experience trauma or feeling triggered, help is available 24/7 for survivors and their families through the Indian Residential School Survivors Society Crisis Line at 1-866-925-4419. Mental health support for Indigenous Peoples across the land known as Canada is available through the Hope for Wellness chatline at 1-800-721-0066 or using the chat box at https://hopeforwellness.ca/. The Indian Residential Schools Survivors Society provides information about these and other supports that are available: https://www.irsss.ca