Ukhupacha – Defying the Heavens: Exploring the Andean World using Vertical Progression Techniques

The Anthropology Society is pleased to present Salvador Guinot, Technical Director of the Ukhupacha Association of the University of Jaume I, Castellon, Spain. Mr. Guinot is professional spelunker and the director of regional emergency rescue for the province of Castellon, yet has transposed skills in vertical progression (ascent and descent using ropes) to aid scientists in need around the world. Rather than let challenges of dangerous heights or deep caverns hinder research, Guinot and his team train and facilitate researchers in safely achieving their goals.
This presentation demonstrates how these techniques can be applied to archaeological research in the Peruvian Andes near the site of Machu Picchu, yet clearly shows how the possibilities for advancing other types of studies in hard to reach places are limitless. This promises to be an exciting talk: Thursday February 11th, 2010 in Room 9420 (Dean's Office) at 1:00pm

Dr. Joel Robbins and the Anthropology of Christianity

Over the past decade Joel Robbins has been a major contributor to anthropological theories of religion, globalization and culture change. He has also helped to bring the analysis of Christianity in diverse contexts to the forefront of the anthropology of religion, most prominently in his book Becoming Sinners: Christianity and Moral Torment in a Papua New Guinea Society. Dr. Robbins will give two talks, one each on Feb 22nd and 23rd. All are welcome. More information is available HERE.

Museum of Ontario Archaeology Community Outreach Speakers Series

Dr. Robert Pearce will discuss the exciting work going on now and about the historical discoveries that led Wilfrid Jury to found the Museum of Ontario Archaeology. Location: Wolf Performance Hall, Central Library, 1st Floor, Monday Feb 22, 2010. Information on upcoming speakers in this series is available HERE.

Kanehstake: 270 Years of Resistance

The English Department, with the support of the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, the Faculty of Social Sciences, the Faculty of Information and Media Studies, the First Nations Studies Program, the Department of Film, and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation are pleased to host a film screening of Kanehsatake: 270 Years of Resistance followed by a question and answer period and reception with renowned documentary filmmaker Alanis Obomsawin. This event is open to all members of the UWO and London communities. Wednesday February 24th, 6:30 p.m. Conron Hall, Room 224 University College. More information can be found HERE.

Museum of Ontario Archaeology Snowsnake Tournament and Winter Festival

Come cheer on your favourite team as they throw a specially prepared “snow-snake” down a snow track in this challenging and competitive First Nations’s sport played for over 500 years! Enjoy snowshoeing in the outdoor village sponsored by Novacks, dog sled rides & demonstrations, three sisters soup tasting over a fire in the Longhouse, and children’s games & crafts. March 6 and 7, 2010, at the Museum. More information is available HERE.

Sir John Franklin: Quest for the Northwest Passage
Saturday April 10, 2010 - Museum of Ontario Archaeology

8th Annual Underwater Heritage Preservation. This event celebrates Underwater Heritage Preservation with morning and afternoon seminars and an evening "Wine and Cheese Reception" with keynote speaker, author and explorer, David Woodman. Our feature topic is "Sir John Franklin - Quest for the Northwest Passage". David's book "Unravelling the Franklin Mystery" was researched through Inuit oral history on his several trips to Canada's Arctic. Click HERE for more information.

Madagascar Field Course News

Information on the Madagascar Field Course  can be found HERE. The application form  [MsWord File] for the 2010 field course can be accessed HERE.

Archaeological Field School in Peru

More information on this exciting and innovative opportunity can be found HERE.

Thinking of Applying to Our Graduate Program?

Recent enhancements to our program have now been updated on the Graduate Program website. Prospective students can find answers to their questions about our program HERE. Tips on putting together a good graduate school application are available HERE. The link below will take you to the online application service. If you have any questions, do not hesitate to contact us HERE.

Social Science Students' Council Leadership Award

Awarded annually to full-time undergraduate students registered in the Faculty of Social Science in the previous year and who are currently registered in Social Science in their second, third or fourth year, with a minimum 70% average. Students will be selected based on their demonstrated leadership and participation in extra-curricular activities on campus and/or at the local, national and international levels. More information can be found HERE.

Centre for Archaeological Informatics and Applied Research

Dr. Neal Ferris, Lawson Chair of Canadian Archaeology at the University of Western Ontario and the Museum of Ontario Archaeology, will lead a new project funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. This project will allow researchers in the Department of Anthropology and at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology to consolidate the tens of thousands of archaeological collections that have been created by CRM archaeology in Ontario (conducted for housing, highways, etc.) into one repository, and preserve them physically and digitally to allow innovative research on this compiled, rich archaeological heritage. Archaeologists and area First Nations will work together as partners in that research, and this project will make the University of Western Ontario (with its partners at McMaster University) the leader in transforming Ontario archaeology into a socially and scientifically sustainable practice. Congratulations to Neal on this important initiative.