Archaeology digs at Leamy Lake Park happening throughout August

The National Capital Commission (NCC) launched a program that allows people to experience being an archaeologist for a day.

The digs, happening throughout August, are at Leamy Lake Park and will happen from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The organization is hoping it gives residents a opportunity to learn about the city’s history. The events are free and available for people of all ages, although simulated digs will be available for children under 10.

The event will focus on the city prior to the arrival of Europeans with expert archaeologists and Anishinàbe Odjìbikan, the archaeological field school composed of members from Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg, and the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation.

NCC will supervise the digs. The event will also have a flintknapping demonstration, a process of chopping away material from high silica stones, where people can learn about how stone tools are made.

According to the NCC website, Leamy Lake Park has the largest pre-contact archaeological sties in the Ottawa River basin.

It was used for more than 6,000 years by Indigenous groups. The artifact collections recovered will provide more details on Indigenous history in the nation’s capital, it said.

The NCC recommends people bring water, bug spray, a hat, long pants, gloves and closed-toe shoes with good treads.