Dr. Peter Dawson

Dr. Peter Dawson

PhD
Pronouns: He/Him

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

Publications