Trent University anthropologists Dr. Marit Munson and Dr. Susan Jamieson have won a 2014 Public Communications Award from the Canadian Archaeological Association for the editing of their book, Before Ontario: The Archaeology of a Province, published in October 2013.

Dr. Munson, associate professor of Anthropology at Trent, and Dr. Jamieson, professor emerita, are co-editors of Before Ontario, the first book in 30 years to cover Ontario archaeology for the general public. Five years in the making, Before Ontario provides both an outline of Ontario's ancient past and an easy-to-understand explanation of how archaeology works. The volume is comprised of articles from the province's leading archaeologists who work both in academia and the private sector, including several affiliated with the Trent University Archaeological Research Centre (TUARC).

“As an archaeologist, I wanted to understand something about the place where I now live,” said Dr. Munson. “What I appreciated most about this process was getting the big picture view, to get a sense of the big sweep of history going back to the last ice age. It’s humbling and amazing to remember that people have lived and died here for 13,000 years.”

Dr. Munson emphasized that keeping this knowledge in mind is important as modern activities transform the landscape. “Ontario’s heritage needs to be preserved for future generations,” she said. Before Ontario includes an explanation of laws like the Heritage Act, designed to preserve archaeological sites and artifacts in the province.

“Most members of the public aren't aware that the laws require archaeologists to survey areas for important sites before building roads or new neighbourhoods,” she said. “Heritage laws are designed to make sure we are aware of these kinds of sites before construction, so we can avoid accidentally disturbing or destroying important parts of Ontario's past.”

Since 1985, the Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) has presented annual awards to acknowledge outstanding contributions in communication that further insight and appreciation of Canadian Archaeology. The CAA praised Dr. Munson and Dr. Jamieson’s work, highlighting the archaeological data presented in a readable manner, and the accessible voice. Dr. Munson and Dr. Jamieson will receive their 2014 Public Communications Award at the annual meeting of the Canadian Archaeological Association in London, ON, May 14-18.