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The Saskatchewan Archaeological Society, in meeting its public education mandate, presents a variety of opportunities for the general public to learn about the 10,000 year history of human habitation in Saskatchewan and about archaeology, which is the science that studies such questions.

The focus is to provide anyone who either has a bit of knowledge of the subject, or none at all, with a good overview of the particular subject of the workshop. All workshops will provide what may best be described as an “in-depth overview” of the subject. Generally, there will be an attempt to focus on the archaeological sites and artifacts found in the area where the workshop is being presented.

Each workshop can consist of the following elements:

  • Lecture information
  • Slides and video illustrations
  • Artifacts to examine
  • Hands-on activities (including exposure to “experimental” archaeology)
  • Printed handout information for future reference, including further reading

Qualified professional archaeologists and other professionals are the instructors for each of the workshops, and a brief biographical note on their training and specialties will be provided for advertising purposes.

Upcoming Workshops:

Past Workshops:

Artifact Illustration
November 17th, 2022: 11:30 am and 2:30 pm, Saskatoon
Led by Hailey Kennedy (MacEwan University), these workshop will be held in conjunction with two undergraduate classes but interested participants are encouraged to register! All workshops take place in the Archaeology Building (55 Campus Drive, Saskatoon). Registration is by donation and pre-registration is required due to a limited number of seats in the classroom. One workshop will focus on how to think about drawing food-related archaeological objects for public outreach activities in interesting ways. The other workshop will focus on Lithic Illustrations for Academic Purposes.

Historic Artifact Identification
February 29th, 2020: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saskatoon
Led by Dr. Margaret Kennedy, this workshop examined the distinctive features of a number of historic artifacts such as glass bottles, ceramics, tin cans, nails, clay pipes, arms and ammunition, buttons, and beads.

Pottery Workshop
November 16th, 2019: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm, Saskatoon
Led by Dr. Jill Taylor-Hollings, this workshop included an overview of traditional pottery making techniques as well as identifying characteristics on typical pottery found in archaeological sites on the Northern Plains. Participants spent the majority of the workshop attempting to fashion their own pottery vessels.

Fall Tradition Plant Workshop
October 6th, 2019: 10:30 am – 12:30 pm, Saskatoon
Led by author, Sandra Walker, this workshop included a walk-about to view some of the local native plants in their fall habitats, food samples, and a colour plant identification guide.

Traditional Plant Workshop
June 16th, 2019: 10:30 am – 12:00 pm, Saskatoon
Led by author, Sandra Walker, this workshop included a walk-about to view some of the local native plants, food samples, and a colour plant identification guide.

Flintknapping Workshop
June 21st, 2019: 12:00 – 4:00 pm, Doc’s Town Heritage Village, Kinetic Exhibition Park, Swift Current
Learn to make a tool from stone with Gabriel Lamarche.

Photography Workshop
November 26th, 2017: 6:00 – 9:00 pm at the Archaeology Centre (1-1730 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon)
Want to take better photos? Host Chris Attrell (saskphotos.ca) instructed us in essential camera features and how to take photographs instead of snap-shots using creative techniques. Participants were asked to bring in their camera with manual settings in order to learn to take great photos!

Pottery Workshop
May 27th, 2017: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at Wanuskewin Heritage Park
 Long before Europeans first made contact, Indigenous peoples in Canada had mastered the art of making pottery. Archaeologists study the pots to learn how these ancient people lived and word to preserve knowledge about these traditions. Dr. Mary Malainey, Professor and Chair of the Anthropology Department at Brandon University will share some of her stories about archaeology, sites, and First Nations pottery techniques. The groups will craft their own pot to take home using traditional methods of construction from the past.  Light refreshments will be included.

Lithic Identification Workshop
May 13th, 2017: 12:30 – 4:30 pm at the Regina Public Library – Sunrise Branch (3130 E. Woodhams Drive)
Join Frank McDougall in Regina to learn about rock types found in archaeological settings! Light refreshments will be provided.

Lithic Identification Workshop
January 21st, 2017: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm at the Archaeology Centre (#1-1730 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon)
Don’t give a schist about rocks? That’s not very gneiss, metamorphically speaking! Join Geologist Frank McDougall and explore the fascinating world of lithic identification. Learn how to tell different rock types apart and to correctly identify material found in archaeological sites across the prairies.  This 5-hour workshop will be hands-on and interactive and is a must for anyone who wants a better understanding of lithic raw materials.

Archaeology Beading Workshop
February 20th, 2016: 11:00 am – 2:00 pm at the Archaeology Centre (#1-1730 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon)
Hosted by Faye Maurice & Tim Panas, this workshop included a presentation on historic and Métis beads with examples as well as a beading demonstration. Participants flat-beaded a flower and viewed examples of Métis beadwork. All materials and refreshments were provided.

Métis Finger Weaving Workshop
October 2nd, 2016: 10:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Archaeology Centre (#1-1730 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon)
Explore the art of Métis finger weaving with Fay Maurice! Learn about the history of the Métis sash and its cultural significance to the Métis People. Learn how to make your own bookmark-sized example!

Oral History Workshop
November 19th, 2016: 9:00 am – 4:00 pm at the Multicultural Council of Saskatchewan Office (452 Albert Street North, Regina)
Facilitated by Kristin Catherwood (Intangible Cultural Heritage Officer, Heritage Saskatchewan). What stories does your community have to tell? Are you interested in learning how to properly document oral traditions in your family or community?In this workshop, participants will learn:

  • The basics of Intangible Cultural Heritage (ICH) as outlined in the UNESCO Convention, and why documentation of local history and traditions is so important
  • How to conduct an oral history/oral traditions interview
  • Proper recording techniques, including recommendations for digital recording equipment
  • What to with the data once you’ve collected it, including storage, metadata and how to utilize the material in projects.

Spring Plant Identification Workshop & Walk
May 24th, 2015: 1:00pm – 2:30pm at Beaver Creek Camp
Join Sandra Walker to learn more about plant identification! This workshop included a walk-about the camp area to view some of the local native plants, food samples, a colour plant identification guide and refreshments.  Refreshments and traditional food tasting took place after the walk.

Fall Plant Identification Workshop & Walk
September 13th, 2015: 10:00am – 12:00pm at Beaver Creek Camp
Hosted by Sandra Walker, this workshop included a walk-about the camp area to view some of the local native plants, food samples, a colour plant identification guide and refreshments. Refreshments & traditional food tasting took place after the walk.

Cattail Doll & Toy Duck Workshop
September 27th, 2015: 11:00am – 2:00pm at the Archaeology Centre (#1-1730 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon)
We learnt the traditional art of cattail weaving with Kathleen and Jeff Coleclough of Kakwa by creating our own doll and toy duck decoys! Materials and refreshments were supplied.

Historic Gun & Ammunition Workshop
November 14th, 2015: 10:00am – 12:00pm at the Archaeology Centre (#1-1730 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon)
Hosted by Brent Graham (Manitoba Muzzleloaders Association). This workshop included an information session on basic firearm terminology, technology and evolution. Brent brought his extensive collection of firearms and parts as well as ammunition.

Lithic Identification Workshop
January 25th, 2014:  10:00am – 2:00pm at the Archaeology Centre (#1-1730 Quebec Avenue, Saskatoon)
Join Geologist Frank McDougall and explore the fascinating world of lithic identification. Learn how to tell different rock types apart and to correctly identify material found in archaeological sites across the prairies.  This 4-hour workshop was hands-on and interactive and was a must for anyone who wants a better understanding of lithic raw materials.

Flintknapping and Hafting Workshop
March 22nd & 23rd, 2014: 9:00am – 3:00pm  – Room 132, Archaeology Building, University of Saskatchewan
With Tim Rast (Elfshot). Tim Rast is a Canadian archaeologist and flintknapper who specializes in artifact reproductions and knapped jewelry based on artifacts found across the Arctic and Subarctic, with an emphasis on Newfoundland and Labrador. Tim led approximately 30 aspiring flintknappers in a 2-day workshop that took them through stone tool production from selection of material to hafting of the final tool.  See our Facebook page  for pictures from the event!

Bone Tool Making Workshop
May 31st, 2014: 10:00am – 3:00pm – Meeting Room, Cabela’s Saskatoon
With Kevin Brownlee.  Kevin is a Manitoba archaeologist who enjoys experimental archaeology. His research focuses on the archaeology of Manitoba’s boreal forest and the emerging field of indigenous archaeology.