The National Capital Commission (NCC) is inviting visitors to participate in public archaeology digs in the national capital region this month. Visitors are getting a hands-on experience working alongside members of the NCC’s archaeology program to uncover artifacts, learn about the region’s Indigenous history prior to European contact and explore important archaeological sites. This year, the free public digs are taking place at Leamy Lake Park and Philippe Lake in Gatineau Park. “We’re doing the public dig here because we identified a new site in 2023 way before they did work to rehabilitate the Lake Philippe campground. Now we’re back to try and learn more about the site,” said Monica Maika, manager of the NCC’s conservation program. The NCC says there may be evidence of Indigenous settlements with arrowheads and pottery to find out exactly when people lived around Philippe Lake. Jacquelyn Pillsbury, an archeologist visiting from New Jersey, has travelled the world digging and was happy to find the event and add a new location to her list “I was so excited because I love to dig. I even brought my archeology pants,” said Pillsbury, “I dig in new Jersey and Pennsylvania. I dug in Israel and I just do this for fun because I enjoy it.” There’s also a kids pit for children to experience. “It’s interesting. They explain to us what we have to do, and they show us the discovery,” said visitor Lise Desmarais. “Even after just a few minutes, we found something, so it’s good.” The archeological digs are taking place on various days this month in the morning and afternoon, running until August 30. More information can be found online.
