Archaeologist Nicole F. Smith shares her passion for exploration of marine environments in her authorship of this Orca Footprint series book. The text focuses on the work of Smith and other archaeologists as they uncover discoveries about early humans by examining archaeological features, faunal remains, and artifacts of coastal areas. With references to findings at archaeological sites and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and practices from around the world and passed down through generations, the author reveals what can be learned about the past through archaeology: About people and their communities, traditions, and culture; the flora and fauna of particular areas; changes in environments, ecosystems, technologies, and materials. The book concludes with reminders to reduce, reuse, and recycle during this “Plastic Age.” Information is organized into chapters, where subtitles separate the main body of text and additional facts are shared through colour photographs and accompanying notes, and text boxes housing “Arti-facts” and “Field Notes.”

Other End Matter: Acknowledgements, Glossary, Resources
Images: Colour photographs
Bibliography: No
Index: Yes

Source: Books BC - BC Books for Schools

Nicole Smith is an archaeologist, educator and speaker. Since 2000, archaeological research has taken her throughout coastal British Columbia, to the Northwest Territories and to Tierra del Fuego in southernmost Argentina. She has worked with over 20 First Nations communities throughout BC and academic colleagues to broaden the knowledge about coastal heritage, focusing on clam gardens, fish traps, stone tools, archaeological sites over 10,000 years old and the effects of climate change and sea-level rise on cultural heritage. Her teams’ results have been published internationally and recognized in the media, including the BBC, CBC’s Quirks & Quarks and Hakai Magazine. She loves working with grade-school students to help them learn more about archaeology. Nicole lives with her family on the Traditional Territories of the Coast Salish Peoples on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Nicole F. Smith's profile page

• Nominated, Young Readers' Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards - Nonfiction
• Long-listed, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award - Children’s Nonfiction
• Winner, Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) Public Communications Awards - Writer/Producer
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets - Honourable Mention
• Commended, Evanston Public Library Blueberry Award - Changemakers
• Long-listed, Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) Book Awards - Youth Category
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“Archeology and traditional Indigenous knowledge are linked together in this clever exploration of how marine environments have changed over time.”

The Globe and Mail

“Provides readers with an introduction to archeology…Slim yet informative…Recommended.”

School Library Connection

“An entertaining and educational read that gives aspiring archeologists an overview of the field and ideas of how they can get started digging for clues to help the planet.”

Hakai Magazine

“A unique perspective on archaeology…highly recommended for its informative and engaging approach to archaeology and environmental issues.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“The text is engaging…The emphasis on Indigenous wisdom and practices is encouraging. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“Chunked text and numerous color photos of science in action make this an accessible and inviting look at ecology.”

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