I decided I wanted to be an archaeologist when I was twelve years old and I had dug up an old horseshoe from a creek bed near my house. The excitement and wonder at finding an object completely drew me into the idea of archaeology and I knew immediately that it was something I wanted to pursue. It wasn’t until I started my second year of university that I really began to pursue my passion and put that excitement and wonder into really understanding what archaeology means. When the chance to do the field school in Barkley Sound came up I was more than excited. I had previously done archaeology in the interior of British Columbia for a summer and I was looking forward to being able to do it in a coastal setting. Before starting the field school, I can remember the anticipation but also nervousness I felt for what lay ahead. I remember feeling scared as well for the idea that maybe archaeology wasn’t what I was meant to be doing, and that maybe I wouldn’t be very good at it at all. I carried that feeling with me until we arrived on Jacques Island and within the first few minutes of being there I discovered a stone tool. The feeling of relief that washed over me at that point was unbelievable, and I felt so certain and knew that this was what I was meant to be doing. Without that find I am almost certain I wouldn’t have had the confidence nor the tranquility to complete the fieldwork and have fun while doing it. Besides archaeology I learned a lot about myself and camping in general. I learned that I love being dirty and can handle not having a shower everyday. I learned that I can be myself and that people appreciate it. I also learned that I am stronger than I think and can independently think for myself. Overall the field school taught me a lot and I feel like I have gained so much insight into so many things that I will forever remember, cherish, and be inspired by.
I would like to end by thanking the Tseshaht first nations for welcoming us and allowing us to conduct archaeological fieldwork on their territory. I recognize the responsibility I have to acknowledge the territories I have worked and lived in not only as a white settler but as an archaeologist as well. I grew up as an uninvited settler on treaty 8 lands and moved to Victoria as an uninvited guest to Lekwungen and Wsanec territories. I didn’t understand what that meant until coming to university and I didn’t understand the significance or nearly understand the importance until hearing David Dick and Denis St. Claire talk. I am again eternally grateful for this opportunity and the knowledge I will carry with me forever. 