Conference Events

Friday, April 25 - ASA Welcome Reception

Let's kick off the ASA Conference in style on Friday, April 25th, from 5:30pm to 9:30pm at the historic Medalta Potteries for an exciting evening. This is a CELEBRATION of 50 years of people being committed to archaeology! There will be light snacks, beverages, fun activities, a cake, and toasts. Let's raise a glass to the past, present, and future of the Archaeological Society of Alberta. 

Saturday, April 26 - ASA AGM and Conference

On Saturday, there will be engaging speakers and activities. And stay in the know about what's happening in the ASA by attending the AGM. More information to come. 

Sunday, April 27 - SEAAS Sunday Field Trips

Everyone is welcome to attend two local field trips that are organized and will be led by knowledgeable volunteers.  Each tour is self-driving, so you can head home directly afterwards or linger a little longer and enjoy some of the other unique places and experiences that Medicine Hat offers. Maps and additional resource materials for the tours will be available at the registration/information desk at Medalta on Friday evening and Saturday.  

Tepee

9:00-10:30 AM: Saamis Archaeological Site - The Saamis Archaeological site is located within the valley of Seven Persons Creek in the City of Medicine Hat. Encompassing an area of 36 hectares, this site has been interpreted as a winter/early spring campsite that was intensively occupied repeatedly between A.D. 1390 and A.D. 1820 within the Late Prehistoric and Protohistoric Periods. The Saamis site represents the activities of Indigenous Plains culture at the cusp of early contact with Europeans. Rarer artifacts recovered from the site include glass trade beads, a metal arrow point, bone and shell beads, a shell pendant and pottery. The tour will begin underneath the Saamis tepee, brought to Medicine Hat following the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympics.

11:00 AM - 12:30 PM: Redcliff I-XL Pressed Brick Plant and Historic Park - During the height of operations, the Redcliff Pressed Brick plant, whA brick wall with a rectangular object Description automatically generatedich later became part of the I-XL group of Industries, produced millions of bricks shipped worldwide.  The fortunate confluence of abundant suitable clays along with locally produced and inexpensive natural gas required to heat the kilns and furnaces supported the success of not only brick manufacture but the pottery production of Medalta and other industries.  Established in 1912 the brick plant vestiges were demolished in 2017, creating the Redcliff I-XL pressed brick plant historic park. 

What Else is there to do in Medicine Hat?

Here is a list of suggested optional activities and places to visit while you are in Medicine Hat. Self-guided tours, features and facilities.

ASA Membership

Join our archaeology community by becoming a member and enjoy benefits such as discounted prices for events, workshops, and activities. You'll also receive a subscription to the Alberta Archaeological Review, which features the latest reports on archaeology in Alberta. By joining, you'll have the opportunity to run for board positions and support the vision and mission of the Archaeological Society of Alberta. Each Centre has its own unique benefits for members. Anyone with an interest in archaeology is welcome to join.

Become a Member