Plans are being made by Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon of the Canadian Museum of Civilization to return to Fort Simpson in August to continue archaeological investigations within the Fort Simpson Heritage Park.

Fort Simpson Heritage Park is managed by the Fort Simpson Historical Society who care for the restored MacPherson House, and who carry out public events and heritage activities within the park and in the community.  It is thought that the early 20th century Northwest Company Fort of the Forks (1803-1811) might have been  located near the park.

To learn more about this Mackenzie Valley community of 1200 visit the Fort Simpson web page.

Work planned  in the park for the summer of 2003 is aimed at more fully exploring the possible cellar or ice house that was identified there in 2002 with the hope of discovering the exact nature of the feature and of finding artifacts which could more precisely date the structure.  Additionally, there is a possibility of conducting a ground penetrating radar survey of the site area in order to determine whether other such deeply buried features still exist.  In this way future work can be more expedient and focussed on known features. (Report 2002)

Dr. Pilon would welcome volunteers to assist in this work and to introduce them to the fascinating history of this northern settlement, its incredibly rich environment on the MacKenzie River, and the wonderful people who make Fort Simpson their home.   Volunteers can expect to meet many local residents and share their culture and heritage in a very unique way.

The proximity to Nahanni National Park will attract many for expeditions and fly overs of Victoria Falls  - twice the height of Niagara !

Director :     Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon
                    Archaeological Survey of Canada
                    Canadian Museum of Civilization

Period :        Historic - 19th Century

Dates :         Monday August 11 through Friday August 29, 2003

Minimum Stay : 1 week

Volunteers :     maximum 6,  students under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult

Experience :  None

Cost :     CA$500.00 + $35.00 Goods and Services Tax or
              US$375 + $20.00 Goods and Services Tax per person per week

Includes:   Shared accommodations (sleeping bag on mats in the church rectory building fully equipped with kitchen, bathroom), meals (share in preparation) and archaeological survey and excavation.  
Note :  accommodations are  also available at the Fort Simpson motel or full service camp ground at additional cost.

Excludes:  Airfare, travel and health insurance, personal items

Staging Point :  Fort Simpson.    Air service from Yellowknife twice daily or by car from interior British Columbia or Yellowknife via the Liard Trail Highway

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