In Situ Archaeology

06/01/2026

Melissa Faye Reid fell in love with archaeology when she gazed upon the ancient, architectural feats of Mexico’s Chichén Itzá when she was 16. Equipped with a passion for understanding humans—and writing about them—Melissa graduated with a double concentration in Anthropology and Journalism at the University of Victoria in 2014. Melissa has over 10 years’ experience as a professional editor and copy writer. She is a technical editor and report writer at In Situ. She’s travelled to numerous ruins throughout the Americas and has a knack for finding lithics. Melissa is unwavering in her use of the oxford comma ✌🏻📝.

05/29/2026

Our favourite show is coming back and we couldn't be more excited!! 🤩

In Situ had the incredible opportunity to support Season 2, Episode 4 in 2019!

05/27/2026

Check out this example of a very waterworn flake.

They can be hard to spot because their typical flake characteristics have been weathered and dulled by rolling in sand and moving water.

05/26/2026

Based out of In Situ Archaeology’s q̓at̓ᶿɛt (Powell River) office, Dr. Jonathan Taggart brings more than a decade of experience working at the intersection of Indigenous Knowledge, cultural resource management, land-use planning, and environmental policy. His work focuses on building meaningful partnerships between Indigenous Nations, industry, and government while advancing culturally grounded approaches to archaeological and heritage management.

Jonathan holds a PhD from the University of British Columbia in Resources, Environment and Sustainability, where his research examined Indigenous mapping, relational values, and the role of Traditional Knowledge in land-use decision-making with Nak’azdli Whut’en. His work challenges conventional impact assessment frameworks and advocates for approaches rooted in Indigenous jurisdiction and ways of knowing.

At In Situ Archaeology, as Senior Lead, Community and Strategic Partnerships, Jonathan oversees long-term and multi-sited initiatives across the Sunshine Coast and Vancouver Island, supporting regional clients and cultural heritage stewardship. His background in community-engaged research and strategic policy development makes him a key leader in collaborative archaeological planning at In Situ Archeaology.

05/25/2026

Upcoming Event at MOV and tickets are FREE

On Thursday, June 18th, the Museum of Vancouver’s former Board Chair, Bruce Granville Miller, will present a lecture reflecting on repatriation and the evolving role museums play in this ongoing work.

Drawing from decades of collaboration with Coast Salish communities, Bruce will share stories from repatriation efforts undertaken by the MOV alongside Indigenous partners. He will also discuss his research into the lasting impacts of museum collecting practices and the return of ancestors to their homelands.

This event is free but registration is required. Click here for more information and to sign up! https://museumofvancouver.ca/blood-and-the-bones

05/25/2026

Sometimes in archaeology, you have to dive right in and get your feet wet!

05/12/2026

We’re excited to share that In Situ Archaeology founder and principal Kenzie Jessome will be presenting at the May 2026 online lecture hosted by the Archaeological Society of British Columbia.

Using Oral History in Archaeology explores the critical role of oral history, ethnographic documentation, and community knowledge in archaeological research on the Northwest Coast of British Columbia. Drawing from collaborative work with the shíshálh Nation, the presentation highlights how oral histories helped guide archaeological investigations, relocate an important village site, and deepen understanding of the surrounding cultural landscape.

📅 May 13, 2026
🕢 7:30 PM (Online Lecture)
Join the lecture here:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82806105965?pwd=AnIN51GErgAHSe5SGdWc5oks86ybmW.1

Kenzie’s work continues to focus on collaborative archaeology, Indigenous stewardship, and integrating oral traditions with archaeological research to better understand and protect cultural heritage.

We’re honoured to contribute to this important conversation and grateful to the ASBC for the invitation.

05/11/2026

Ten years ago, Katie Oliver-Shields walked through our doors as a volunteer, curious, determined, and ready to learn. Today, she stands as our Partner, Senior Archaeologist, and Field Director… and one of the absolute pillars of In Situ Archaeology.

Katie’s journey is the kind that defines what passion, grit, and dedication really look like. From long days in the lab to leading complex field projects, she didn’t just grow into her roles, she elevated them. Her leadership shapes our work, her expertise strengthens our team, and her commitment inspires everyone around her.

There’s no overstating it: we simply wouldn’t be who we are without Katie.

She’s the one who shows up early, stays late, solves problems others can’t, and still finds time to mentor, support, and uplift the people around her. She brings excellence to everything she touches, and makes it look effortless.

Katie, we are endlessly proud of you and so grateful to have you leading alongside us. Thank you for a decade of brilliance, and for being such an essential part of our story.

We love you, Katie. Here’s to everything you’ve accomplished, and everything still to come. 🧡

05/06/2026

Join our qathet Team! If you've got experience leading field crews, love forest survey, oh, and want to live in paradise...connect with us!

📬 [email protected]

~Job Summary

We are seeking a dedicated Archaeologist to join our team in qathet (Powell River), supporting cultural heritage projects, excavations, and data analysis initiatives. This role offers an exciting opportunity to contribute to the archaeological record of Coastal BC.

~Wage: commensurate with experience $36-55/hour + benefits + PTO

~Responsibilities

Conduct archaeological field surveys, excavations, and site assessments.

Collect, catalog, and analyze archaeological data using standardized methods.

Utilize GIS technology for mapping and spatial analysis of excavation sites.

Develop and maintain databases for archaeological findings and research data.

Prepare detailed reports, research papers, and presentations based on findings, as time permits.

Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams including historians, conservationists, and other researchers.

Ensure compliance with ethical standards and preservation guidelines during all phases of fieldwork.

~Requirements

Bachelor's or Master’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology, or related field.

Proven experience in archaeological research, fieldwork, or related projects.

Experience with data collection techniques in archaeological contexts.

Strong organizational skills with attention to detail in documentation and reporting.

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.

Willingness to travel to various excavation sites as required.

This position offers an engaging environment for professionals passionate about archaeology and data-driven research while contributing valuable insights into cultural heritage preservation in the areas where we live, work and play!

We approach cultural resource management differently. Here are just a few of the key differences that make being an archaeologist with In Situ a unique experience:

~ our mandate is to put consultation first. Prioritizing consultation means that we don’t take on projects without the support of affected First Nations.

~ our firm operates year-round. Archaeology is typically considered seasonal employment but operating in Coastal BC comes with mild winters that allow for year-round scheduling.

~ we don’t compartmentalize staff into segmented roles unless you want to focus in a particular area that you enjoy. At In Situ, we believe that supporting our team in finding the areas of work that they really enjoy makes for better science and more job satisfaction. As an archaeologist at In Situ you’ll have the chance to do it all or just the parts you love!

~ we stay local. One of our key missions is to bring value to the communities in which we live and work. Staying local means few lengthy remote shifts, but also means you’ll have the chance to learn about and apply valuable community knowledge to studies, and contribute to the overall understanding of the archaeological record of the Coast.

Reach out to us at [email protected] to learn more🌲

05/06/2026

Meet Dr. Adam Solomonian — Ethnohistorian, In Situ Archaeology

Dr. Adam Solomonian is an ethnohistorian and cultural anthropologist specializing in the integration of archival records, visual culture, and community-based knowledge into archaeological and heritage research across British Columbia.

He holds both an MA and PhD in Anthropology from the University of British Columbia, where his research examined Indigenous visual sovereignty and the interpretation of historical photographic archives.

Adam currently serves as Department Chair in the Sociology & Anthropology program at Langara College, where he has taught since 2016. His work emphasizes the application of anthropology to real-world issues, including colonialism, reconciliation, and cultural resource management.

His research and applied work focus on:

Ethnohistorical analysis and archival synthesis

Indigenous visual culture and community-led research

Cultural landscape interpretation on the Northwest Coast

Competing narratives around conservation and resource use in the Pacific Northwest

Outside of academia and consulting, Adam is also a musician and vocalist with the Vancouver punk band Needles//Pins, bringing the same intensity and perspective to creative work as he does to research.

At In Situ Archaeology, Adam strengthens the firm’s ability to connect documentary history, oral traditions, and archaeological data—producing more grounded, and culturally informed interpretations.