Dr. Peter Dawson
PhD
Pronouns: He/Him
Positions
Department Head
Contact information
Web presence
Phone number
Office: +1 (403) 220-4855
Cell: +1 (403) 819-9911
Location
Lab: Earth ScienceES806A
Background
Educational Background
B.A. Anthropology, University of Toronto, 1990
Doctor of Philosophy Archaeology, University of Calgary, 1998
M.A. Anthropology, University of Toronto, 1992
Research
Areas of Research
Digital Archaeology and Heritage Preservation, Archaeology of Western North America and the Arctic
Participation in university strategic initiatives
Courses
| Course number | Course title | Semester |
|---|---|---|
| ARKY 60318 SEC 01 S01 | Seminar on Special Topics | 2020 |
| ARKY 615 SEC 01 S01 | Topics in Arky Theory & Method | 2020 |
Projects
Digitally Preserving Former Indian Residential Schools in Alberta
The Indian Residential School (IRS) system has left a legacy of trauma and cultural disconnect that is still impacting survivors of the schools and Indigenous communities. In several of the Calls to Action (78ii; 82; 83) as defined by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) the issue of the preservation and commemoration of IRS are addressed. However, out of the conservatively estimated 114 schools operating nationally at the height of the system in the 1940’s only 17 of the structures still remain today. This project works with Indigenous communities to digitally document the still standing IRS structures of Alberta.
Alberta Digital Heritage Archive
Exploring how digital technology can be used to preserve, protect, and mobilize knowledge about Alberta's diverse heritage sites. From tent rings and bison jumps to large scale industrial structures, Alberta's heritage resources reflect our collective histories. Wildfires, flooding, vandalism, and development continue to place Alberta's heritage at varying degrees of risk. Reality capture technologies like terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and aerial photogrammetry can be used to digitally capture and preserve provincial heritage resources. This archive serves as a repository for these digital data sets so they will remain accessible to future generations. Scroll down or click on the button below to view interactive 3D models and other content! Be sure to visit the archive often, as more and more heritage sites are added.
Qikiqtaruk/Herschel Island Digital Heritage Archive
Exploring how digital technology can be used to preserve, protect, and mobilize knowledge about Qikiqtaruk Herchel Island. The significance of Herschel Island or Qikiqtaruk Territorial Park derives from its continuous use by both Inuvialuit and Euro-North American groups over the last 800 years, and the natural and cultural histories of the park. Of these cultural resources, there are several historic structures that are being threatened by rising sea levels, increased shoreline erosion, and increasingly violent storms caused by the disappearance of sea ice. Reality capture technologies like terrestrial laser scanning (TLS) and aerial photogrammetry can be used to digitally capture and preserve these heritage resources. This archive serves as a repository for these digital data sets so they will remain accessible to future generations. Scroll down or click on the button below to view interactive 3D models and other content!
Awards
- Peak Scholar, University of Calgary. 2019
- Great Supervisor Award, University of Calgary. 2014
- Distinguished Teacher Award, University of Calgary. 2002
- Alberta Heritage Award - Heritage Conservation, Alberta Government. 2024
Publications
In the News
- Digital technology preserves historical Swiss Edelweiss Village. UToday. (2022)
- Touching History. Arch. (2022)
- Dr. Peter Dawson adds to Canadian military heritage with 3D scanning of WWII bomber plane.. University of Calgary. (2021)
- Project digitally preserves former Indian residential schools in Alberta. UToday. (2022)
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