Unearthing the Past, Shaping the Future: Why Saskatchewan’s Archaeological Tour Matters More Than You Think
There’s something profoundly humbling about holding an object that’s thousands of years old. It’s not just a piece of stone or pottery; it’s a direct link to the lives of people who walked the same land centuries before us. This is the essence of what Emerson Dube and India Buckert, two summer students from the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society, have been sharing with communities across Northern Saskatchewan. But what makes this particularly fascinating is how they’re reframing the narrative. Instead of calling these relics ‘artifacts,’ they’re calling them ‘belongings.’ Personally, I think this small linguistic shift is revolutionary. It humanizes history, reminding us that these objects weren’t just tools or trinkets—they were part of someone’s daily life, their struggles, and their triumphs.
The Power of Words: Belongings vs. Artifacts
One thing that immediately stands out is the intentionality behind using the word ‘belongings.’ It’s not just semantics; it’s a deliberate attempt to foster respect and connection. When Dube mentions that some of these belongings date back 12,000 years, it’s easy to get lost in the sheer scale of time. But what many people don’t realize is that this reframing also challenges the way we perceive indigenous history. For too long, indigenous cultures have been treated as relics of the past, not as living, breathing communities with deep roots. By calling these items ‘belongings,’ Dube and Buckert are quietly but powerfully asserting that this history is not just ancient—it’s ongoing.
Hands-On History: Why Interactive Learning Matters
What makes this tour so impactful isn’t just the stories being told, but how they’re being told. Attendees aren’t just listening to lectures; they’re handling replicas, piecing together pottery puzzles, and creating rock art. From my perspective, this hands-on approach is crucial. It transforms history from something distant and abstract into something tangible and relatable. If you take a step back and think about it, this method of teaching isn’t just about education—it’s about empathy. When you hold a replica of a tool that someone used 12,000 years ago, you can’t help but wonder about the hands that shaped it and the life they lived.
The Broader Implications: Archaeology as a Tool for Reconciliation
This raises a deeper question: What role does archaeology play in modern society? In Saskatchewan, a province with a complex and often painful colonial history, initiatives like this tour are more than just educational—they’re acts of reconciliation. A detail that I find especially interesting is how Dube and Buckert are engaging with indigenous communities. By bringing these belongings to places like Buffalo Narrows and Beauval, they’re not just teaching about the past; they’re acknowledging the present. What this really suggests is that archaeology isn’t just about uncovering history—it’s about honoring it, and ensuring that the stories of those who came before us are told with dignity and respect.
Looking Ahead: The Future of Public Archaeology
If this tour is any indication, the future of archaeology is going to be less about dusty museums and more about community engagement. Personally, I’m excited to see how this approach evolves. Could we see more collaborations between archaeologists and indigenous communities? Will this model of hands-on, empathetic learning become the norm? One thing is certain: as long as there are people like Dube and Buckert, who are passionate about both history and humanity, the past will continue to shape our future in meaningful ways.
Final Thoughts
As I reflect on this tour, I’m struck by its simplicity and its depth. It’s not just about teaching kids what an archaeologist does; it’s about teaching them to see the world—and its history—with curiosity and compassion. In my opinion, that’s the kind of education that truly matters. So, the next time you hear the word ‘belongings’ instead of ‘artifacts,’ remember: it’s not just a change in vocabulary. It’s a change in perspective—one that could help us build a more connected, more respectful world.
