2024 Nunalleq Archaeological Project

Location: Quinhagak, AK

Season: June 17, 2024 to September 1, 2024

Application Deadline: April 10, 2024

Deadline Type: Contact for Details

Website: https://nalaquq.com/nunalleq-archaeological-project-2024-season/

Program Type:
Field School, Volunteer

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
Nalaquq, LLC

Project Director:
Lead Archaeologist: Richard Knecht

Project Description:

This year the University of Aberdeen, Université de Franche-Comté, and the Anchorage Museum will partner with the village corporation Qanirtuuq, Inc. and the Yup’ik village of Quinhagak on a large-scale archaeological project. Archaeological sites, as well as the modern infrastructure in the region, are threatened by melting permafrost and rising sea levels along the Bering Sea. This field season we will focus on excavating threatened parts of the Nunalleq site, a 17th century pre-contact Yup’ik village with exceptionally well-preserved organic remains. During the 2024 season, we will also be processing finds in a Quinhagak-based lab in the Nunalleq Museum.

This year the excavation season starts on June 17 and continues until August 17. Lab placements will be available from June 17 – September 01. Students who wish to receive field school credit must spend at least three weeks in Quinhagak.

Period(s) of Occupation: This field season we will focus on rescue archaeology, working on sections of a 17th century house directly threatened by marine erosion brought on by the combined effects of climate change.

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: 1 week

Minimum Age: 18

Room and Board Arrangements:
Students The advanced field school is open to students in archaeology, anthropology, or heritage studies presently affiliated with a university. You can apply for a place on the excavation team, or the conservation lab, or both. Regardless of your primary choice, you will be given opportunities to work in both the lab and the excavation. There are a limited number of places available, with priority given to motivated and experienced applicants. The cost for the field school will includes academic credit (variable) plus 1,000 USD per week to cover room, meals and local ground transportation. We ask that participants commit to a minimum of three weeks to receive field school credit. To complete an application, complete the form at the bottom of this page. We ask that you also attach a cover letter stating the reasons for applying and a CV/Resume detailing any relevant experience. Please apply before tentative April 16, 2024. Volunteers If you have an interest in Alaskan archaeology, artefact conservation or community heritage work, you are very welcome to join our crew as a volunteer. You can volunteer both in the field and in the conservation lab. No experience is necessary. Volunteers will be given assignments according to their abilities. There are a limited number of places, with priority given to those who can demonstrate a genuine interest in archaeology/heritage. The cost for volunteers is 1,000 USD per week. This includes room, meals and local ground transportation. We ask that volunteers commit to a minimum of one week. Applications must be completed, along with attaching a cover letter stating the reasons for applying and a CV/Resume detailing any relevant experience. Please apply before tentative April 10th, 2024. However, note that applications will be assessed continuously, and that a limited number of placements are available. In your cover letter, please let us know the date when you would like to arrive and for how many weeks you intend to stay if accepted.