This is very interesting!
1) Who are you?
My MA focussed on historical archaeology (fauna of a ranch site), and
previously I've been lucky enough to do some historical arch projects
in and around Victoria BC while doing consulting work. I currently
work in the NWT Canada with the Gwich'in Social & Cultural Institute
in Inuvik. Inuvik is about 100km from the Arctic Ocean, a very
interesting little town. We live here with some sled dogs. My role
is largely oral history research, administration, and GIS. I rarely
get to do any archaeology these days, although there are a couple of
sites I've spoken about to our board of directors.
Are there any other northerners here?
2) Dirtiest moment in the field.
I've never been as dirty, wet or cold doing archaeology as I have
been running or caring for sled dogs. I guess I've been lucky, from
what other people are saying! One of our sayings is now, "well, our
immune systems must be very strong!"
3) Your idea of the best dressed archaeologist, i.e. what practical
gear should they be wearing?
Depends on area and task - I always loved my heavy red survey vest
with reflective tape while doing survey. A place for everything to
attach, fit in a pocket, etc. And so professional looking (well, i
felt)! Always a boon when people groan to see you approach.
If you're unlucky enough to work here during the mid-summer you need
a bug jacket. I generally prefer the hooded ones that are like
cheesecloth and soaked in deet (although I'm embarrassed to admit
that!) and stored in a zip-loc, called "skeeto-ban" or something. I
personally find the jackets that go over your face restrict your
vision and are hot, and rubbing deet onto your face and hands
repeatedly feels kind of toxic. Even with a bug jacket, you need a
great sense of inner peace to handle the insects. Or maybe you need
to be a little bit crazy.
Kristi Benson
Tr'iinjoo oonoodài’ gwidàl hàh dha’aii
Researcher, Gwich'in Social & Cultural Institute
Main Floor, 151 Mackenzie Road PO Box 2553
Inuvik, NT X0E 0T0
Telephone 867-777-5965
Fax 867-777-5994
For more information, please visit our website www.gwichin.ca
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