2023 Olson Site Public Archaeology Days July 8, 9, 22 and 23

In 2018, the discovery of a modified bison scapulae along a creek in Melita indicated evidence of Indigenous cultivation, as scapulae were used by Indigenous peoples as hoe blades.

In 2019 Brandon University (BU) and the Manitoba Archaeological Society (MAS) conducted an initial investigation of the site to determine if the site was intact, which it was.
 
Since that time, BU and the MAS have jointly worked on an archaeological project that will tell us more about the way Indigenous people lived in southwestern Manitoba before the arrival of Europeans.  
 
This summer we will be continuing our assessment of this pre-European contact archaeological site and looking for further evidence of ancient Indigenous cultivation. We will also be continuing to host public archaeology days.

Weather permitting, the public archaeology activities will be held on July 8, 9, 22 and 23. Presentations and site tours will be given at 10am and noon, and interested individuals will have the opportunity to help professional archaeologists excavate the site.
 
The site is located about 15 km south of Melita, just west of Highway 83 in the Pierson Wildlife Management Area. Site excavations will be taking place in the Gainsborough Creek valley. As the slope down to the site is quite steep, we will be discussing the site and show artifacts at the valley crest. For the adventurous, who want to walk down, we will be able to show you the site up close. You will also have the opportunity to work with professional archaeologists and participate in the excavations.