A Bridge Between Science & Culture

Story appeared in the 2017 issue of QMS Connections Magazine.

BY HAYLEY PICARD, COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER
ALUMNI DR. GENEVIEVE HILL (‘99)

Creating historical narrative through archeological context can be tricky and highly sensitive. The key is to incorporate multiple perspectives, since each person who has touched an artifact at any point in its history can impact how its story is written.

Frederica de Laguna was a pioneer in the field of archaeology and ethnology in North America. Her ground- breaking work serves to inspire Dr. Genevieve Hill (‘99) today.

This is the mission of archaeologist Dr. Genevieve Hill (’99), Anthropology Collections Manager and Researcher at the Royal BC Museum in Victoria, British Columbia. Under the guidance of archaeologists like this proud QMS alumna, organizations such as the Royal BC Museum are focused on ensuring that all perspectives are captured when an archaeological discovery is made, making the story of our past more meaningful. This is especially true in the Northwest Coast, with its rich First Nations culture.

Dr. Hill is excited about a growing momentum in the area of archaeology which sees the archaeological work shifting from being conducted through a Western lens to being more understanding and respectful of the First Nations perspective. “It’s their history,” Genevieve states. “It’s their story to tell.”

When a potentially significant archaeological discovery is made, Genevieve works with the province to provide guidance to consultants so they can make a strong plan in collaboration with First Nations. She continues to work with these stakeholder groups directly through-out the archaeological process to ensure the material, once recovered, is treated properly and is accessible for future generations.

“Contextual information in this field of science is incredibly important. An artifact is nice, but the details on where it was found, how it was found, exploring how it was made, and capturing comprehensive samples are the way our First Nations communities can reclaim their cultural heritage and create meaningful stories and links to their oral histories. I see archaeological repositories and museums as being the bridge in that space that exists between science and culture.”

This model of collaborative science created a strong partnership between BC archaeologists and the Hieltsuk First Nation. Their combined efforts resulted in an exciting discovery on Triquet Island, on BC’s coast line, in the spring of 2017. The discovery of an ancient settlement dating to over 14,000 years ago corroborated a Hieltsuk oral legend, providing new meaning to the First Nations’ oral concept of “time immemorial” and reinforcing the validity of their stories by using scientific techniques.

“Each time I have explored their [the First Nations Peoples] ancestral territories with them, looking for archaeological evidence using traditional knowledge as our guide, we have been successful. It is very satisfying to find material that they know will be there, even thousands of years after it has been deposited.”

Another focus for Genevieve is to work with First Nations groups to reshape our perception of the past. Up until the middle of the last century, artifacts were donated or kept privately. Once the Archaeology Branch (under the Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations) started permitting archaeological work, The Royal BC Museum (and other repositories) began receiving material excavated under permit. “Some artifacts that were recovered under permit were not turned into repositories. The ‘disappearance’ was due primarily to a lack of public awareness,” explains Dr. Hill. “Now, I work towards clarifying what we have, why we have it, and what the expectations are for all contributors and users of this material. The materials are for the people of BC and accessible to all.” As older collections’ owners pass away, these artifacts and their repatriation ceremonies are providing First Nations groups throughout the province with strength to share their evolving oral stories.

In 2016 as part of a treaty agreement, the Royal BC Museum returned culturally significant artifacts to the the Tla’amin Nation. Dr. Genevieve Hill escorted the items from Victoria and presented them to Tla’amin hegus Clint Williams. (Photo courtesy of the Powell River Peak)

In this aspect of her job, Genevieve is inspired by the work of Frederica de Laguna, who connected archaeology and ethnology during field work in the 1930’s, and by the current work of Dr. George Nicholas of Simon Fraser University, an industry leader in the movement to decolonize and decommodify archaeology. These mentors, and the communities Dr. Hill works with, motivate her to continue strengthening her ties with First Nations groups, especially in her childhood home of the Cowichan Valley. “I work with outstanding people at Cowichan Tribes,” shares Genevieve. “Each time I have explored their ancestral territories with them, looking for archaeological evidence using traditional knowledge as our guide, we have been successful. It is very satisfying to find material that they know will be there, even thousands of years after it has been deposited. ”

Genevieve’s genuine passion and love for her work is contagious. “I want the public to become aware of the importance of cultural heritage because there is a barrier there,” she says. With conflict arising between stakeholders in well-known cases such as Grace Islet in the Gulf Islands, mining claims in northern BC, and the potential Site C Dam, Dr. Hill understands the fear but hopes to improve communication and education systems for everyone involved. Ultimately, through her efforts, our history will be further enriched with the vibrancy offered through the blending of indigenous and western ways of looking at the world.