High Tech Support to Culture and Heritage in British Columbia Maritime Archaeological Efforts

High Tech Support to Culture and Heritage in British Columbia Maritime Archaeological Efforts

On 8th February 2025 IIC Technologies team, led by Rory MacKenzie , volunteered to assist the Underwater Archaeology Society of British Columbia (UASBC) with a MultiBeam Eccho Sounder (MBES) survey of an ancient SWÁLET (reef net fishing site) at məq̕ʷúʔəs (Smyth Head) in Becher Bay in the traditional territory of the SC’IȺNEW Nation.

UASBC divers had previously recorded the locations of SX̱OLE (reef net) anchor stones but wanted a better understanding of the site’s layout to further understand these ancient fishing methods and practices.

To assist in the effort IIC undertook the MBES surveys in the locations provided then generated and delivered 20cm high-resolution surfaces which the UASBC, in collaboration with SC’IȺNEW, will use to further their understanding of this fascinating marine archaeology and Indigenous heritage site.

Although very different to IIC’s normal work cartographic and safety of navigation surveys, the team greatly enjoyed being able to assist in growing the knowledge and preserving this cultural and historic area.

This is an interesting example of modern high-tech being used to understand what was probably very high-tech in ancient times.