DIG UP ACTIVITIES DURING ARCHAEOLOGY MONTH

June is Archaeology Month and those with a keen interest in Saskatchewan's rich archaeological heritage will have no trouble digging up things to do at events taking place this month across the province.

"I'm very pleased to proclaim June as Archaeology Month in Saskatchewan," Culture, Youth and Recreation Minister Joan Beatty said. "Saskatchewan has a rich, storied past and we are very fortunate that so much of it has been preserved and promoted through the work of organizations like the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society."

The Saskatchewan Archaeological Society (SAS) and its nine regional chapters and partnering organizations are the proponents of Archaeology Month. They have assembled a list of varied activities including archaeological field trips, presentations and displays to highlight the various aspects of the province's ancient human history and foster greater awareness about, and protection of, the remaining archaeological sites, artifacts and landscapes.

"The events and activities presented during Archaeology Month are designed to encourage anyone, whether they grew up wanting to be an archaeologist or not, to participate in learning about one or more aspects of the very long human history and heritage of our province," Saskatchewan Archaeological Society President Jeff Baldwin said. "Saskatchewan's variety and number of archaeological sites rivals that of anywhere else on the Great Plains of North America."

SAS is an independent, non-profit organization that was founded in 1963. It is widely regarded as one of the most active and effective archaeological organizations in North America, consisting of both amateur and professional archaeologists.

"Saskatchewan's archaeological record, including more than 10,000 years of human history, is protected so that we can appreciate, understand and learn from the past," Beatty said. "Understanding the past, through archaeological and traditional knowledge, will inform both our present and our future."

For a full listing of activities during Archaeology Month, please visit: http://www.saskarchaeologicalsociety.ca/archmonth.htm.

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For More Information, Contact:

Janet Peters Culture, Youth and Recreation Regina Phone: (306) 787-4967

Tim Jones Saskatchewan Archaeological Society Saskatoon Phone: (306) 664-4124