Sage Vanier comes from the Kitsumkalum Band and recently graduated in May 2017 from UBC with a major in Archaeology. Last Winter, she participated in the Aboriginal Undergraduate Student Research Mentorship. Read on to learn more about Sage and what the mentorship was like!
Can you tell me what you studied at UBC and how did you decide on this discipline as your major?
I was a Classical Studies major, studying the Archaeology of Greece, Rome, and the Near East; however near the end of my studies I began to focus more on the First Nations archaeology of British Columbia. I have wanted to be an archaeologist for as long as I can remember, and so I was very excited to study it at UBC.
Could you explain what the Aboriginal Undergraduate Student Research Mentorship project is and how you got involved?
The program is designed to match up Aboriginal students from all disciplines with professors at the university who act as mentors. In most cases, the students help their mentor undertake research projects. It really gives undergraduates an opportunity to experience firsthand what the world of academia entails. I got involved with the program through an email from the school advertising it.
Awesome! Could you tell me more about the project you’re working on?
The project I am working on with Dr. Andrew Martindale involves tracing the history of 19th century Lax Kw’alaams (Port Simpson) in Northern British Columbia. Right now we are collecting data of significant events that happened at the site during this period so that later this summer, we can compare them with old photographs and maps in an attempt to discover any significant trends in settlement patterns, etc.
I have been helping collect data from articles at this point, but eventually we will move onto GIS mapping, and eventually writing the publication, on which I will get a credit.
What was your biggest take away from this project?
As the project I am helping with is still ongoing, my biggest take away is definitely the networking opportunities it provided me. My mentor has introduced me to many important people in the world of BC archaeology and has provided me with a number of exceptional opportunities to grow as a scholar and a professional.
Would you recommend this project for other students? If so, why!
I would 10/10 recommend this program to other students. It is an unparalleled opportunity to, not only gain experience in academia, but also to learn practical skills to bolster a resumé.
What are your plans now that you graduated?
I graduated in May, and so now I am taking a year off to earn some money and hopefully complete my research project with my mentor so that I can be prepared for graduate studies next year!
ASA Tip: The Aboriginal Undergraduate Student Research Mentorship will be open for student applications soon! The mentorship will occur in Term 2 of the Winter 2017-2018 Session. If you’re interested in applying, please follow ASA on Facebook or send us an email to arts.aboriginal@ubc.ca.
