Remotely Sensing Pasts, Imaging Better Futures: The Application of Refined Remote Sensing Techniques To Métis Archaeology

Summary

This is an abstract from the session entitled "Remote Sensing in Historical Archaeology (General Sessions)" , at the 2021 annual meeting of the Society for Historical Archaeology.

Archaeological remote sensing is becoming increasingly popular among Indigenous communities who are concerned about their material past but would like to limit destructive excavation. During the nineteenth century, the Métis, a distinct Indigenous nation, adopted a mobile lifestyle centered around bison hunting, where they formed temporary villages to overwinter on the northern plains. Today, Métis communities are working to demonstrate their presence on the landscape through archaeology. Our research sought to resolve Métis cabin remains and develop strategies useable at other Métis archaeological sites. At the site of Chimney Coulee (DjOe-6) in Saskatchewan, Canada, we successfully employed multiple terrestrial and airborne remote sensing surveys to identify features and focus excavations. During the COVID-19 pandemic, increased time to refine and explore data led to more discoveries. While this study is interesting for its historical findings, it demonstrates the utility of refining remote sensing for its use in Indigenous contexts.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Remote Sensing in Historical Archaeology (General Sessions)   •
• Society for Historical Archaeology 2021

Keywords

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology