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Archaeology Volunteer

Archaeology volunteers deliver the Archaeology of the Lower Fraser River school programs to elementary students (Grades 4–7), throughout the school year (September–mid-December; January– early June). The school program helps students discover the rich, 9,000-year history of the First Nations people in southwestern BC by learning about their homelife, tools and technologies. It includes an introduction to authentic tools and materials used for fishing, hunting, woodworking and home life. In addition, the students who participate in the in-person program learn to make a rope bracelet from raffia using traditional techniques based on bark rope-making.

The school program is offered on Wednesdays. The in-person program is 90 minutes long (at 10 am and 12:15 pm, except the third Wednesday of the month) and the live digital program is 50 minutes long (at 10 or 11 am and 1 or 1:30 pm, on the third Wednesday of the month).

Archaeology volunteers have the opportunity to participate in the Laboratory of Archaeology (LOA) activities in addition to the school programs.

Archaeology volunteers come from a wide variety of backgrounds. The ideal volunteer should:
  • Enjoy working with children
  • Have a strong interest in First Nations cultures and issues, both historic and contemporary
  • Have a strong interest in archaeology
  • Be flexible and patient and willing to work with children of various ability levels
  • Have an interest in museums
  • Be able to volunteer on Wednesdays during regular school hours
  • Experience working with children is an asset
Training:

All new volunteers are required to attend all sessions of MOA 101: Introductory Training Seminar (dates TBA). Following MOA 101, specific training will continue with Archaeology Committee members and staff.

Training for the Archaeology Committee includes archaeology orientation sessions to teach the necessary content for delivering the school programs. These sessions are conducted by staff, usually over one to two days, after which ongoing hands-on training will take place during the program through observation and teamwork with experienced Archaeology Committee volunteers. Volunteers will learn to deliver both in-person and live digital school programs, including the set-up of teaching materials and equipment, information content and how to present belongings for the digital version and for the hands-on activity with real archaeological belongings where students will act like an archaeologist.

Once training is complete, volunteers are asked to commit to learning and presenting at least one of the programs (in-person or live digital) and be available for either the morning or afternoon session each week on Wednesdays.

Commitment:
  • Minimum two-year term on the Archaeology Committee
  • Wednesdays: morning or afternoon sessions
  • Attend Archaeology Committee meetings, two to three times a year, which usually take place before some VA general meetings
    Attend VA general meetings, six times a year