A collaboration between Tse’k’wa Heritage Society and Dr. Jon Driver of Simon Fraser University has produced new, free educational resources for students and teachers worldwide. The partners worked with Futurum Careers to create an educational magazine article, powerpoint, and video animation titled Combining Scientific and Traditional Knowledge at Tse’k’wa that are now available online.
Tse’k’wa, which means “Rock House” in Dane-zaa, is an ancient cave and gathering place near Charlie Lake. Combining Scientific and Traditional Knowledge at Tse’k’wa shows how archaeologists and traditional knowledge holders can work together to enhance each other’s understanding of the past. For example, archaeologists can confirm the great age of important cultural practices, while traditional knowledge provides insights into the meaning of what archaeologists have uncovered. Using a variety of media designed to appeal to young adults and their teachers, these resources introduce the history of the cave, key archaeology concepts, and the people working to preserve the site. They also include discussion questions and links to additional learning resources to spark conversation.
The new resources are part of a long history of collaboration between the Tse’k’wa Heritage Society and Simon Fraser University. The site was excavated by SFU archaeologists, including Dr. Driver, in the 1980’s and 1990’s. Dr. Driver and the Society have previously worked together to release Archaeological Work at Tse’k’wa, a collection of articles related to the archaeological site, as well as the Tse’k’wa Digital Archive, a resource which widened public and research access to materials from the original SFU excavations. In 2024, the entire archaeological collection was repatriated to Tse’k’wa from Simon Fraser University. These new learning resources are unique in their focus on younger audiences. “Young people are stimulated by archaeology because of the excitement of discovery,” says Dr. Driver. “Our collective experience at Tse’k’wa shows them how diverse perspectives can create a richer understanding of modern Indigenous communities and their history”.
Diane Desjarlais, an Elder from West Moberly First Nations, provided the narration for the animated video. “When we first started Tse’k’wa [Heritage Society,] it was all about educating people and building bridges: connecting different cultures. A big part of that is educating youth; it’s critical that they learn about the site as they are going to be caring for it when we’re gone” says Diane. “This is where we’re going to start to build those bridges and how we’re going to overcome racism; it’s with our young people.” While the learning resources are designed with 14-19-year-olds in mind, they can be enjoyed by readers at any age.
A research grant from Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) supported the excavations and the creation of the resources; additional research funds from SFU supported print copies of the magazine that will be distributed to local First Nations, schools, and public libraries. Print copies of the magazine will be distributed to all SD60 Schools via the Indigenous Education Centre and all SD59 Schools via the Indigenous Education Department. Local homeschooling families can pick up a copy at the Fort St John Museum and Treaty 8 Tribal Association, while supplies last.
About Futurum Careers
These resources were produced by Futurum Careers, a free online resource and magazine aimed at encouraging 14-19-year-olds worldwide to pursue careers in science, technology, engineering, maths and medicine (STEM), and social sciences, humanities and the arts for people and the economy (SHAPE). Futurum collaborates with academics all over the world to translate their research into free education resources that can be used in the classroom, at home and in STEM and SHAPE clubs.
For more information: Alyssa Currie, Executive Director 250-224-7906 TsekwaHeritage@gmail.com