Detection Dogs in Archeology Workshop 2023

Highlights from the Workshop

LASAR members. Left- Lisa Higgins and K9 Penny Lane. Right- Kirsten Watson and K9 Quest.

National Park Service

Human Remains Detection (HRD) Dogs in Archeology

The National Center for Preservation Technology and Training (NCPTT), the Poverty Point World Heritage and State Historic Site, and the Friends of NCPTT, are hosting a three-day training workshop on human remains detection (HRD) dogs in archeological settings. The workshop will be held May 9 - 11, 2023, at the Poverty Point World Heritage Site in Pioneer, Louisiana.

The use of HRD dogs is a new approach to archeology as a canine-aided remote sensing technique to identify locations of human burials. Limited guidance and literature is available on the use of this method despite the growth of HRD dogs applied to archeological research. NCPTT offers the HRD Dogs in Archeology Workshop to address the need for training, communication, and standardization among archeologists utilizing this relatively new methodology in research and compliance.

Advances in archeology are focused on refining remote sensing techniques such as ground penetrating radar, magnetic susceptibility, magnetometry, and metal detecting. The least practiced of these non-invasive technologies is the use of HRD dogs, which adds an extra layer of validation when combined with other remote sensing results. Our goals with this workshop are to think critically about what place this technique has in advancing archeology; to provide a foundational education on the best practices in the field and working successfully with handler/K9 teams; and to propose protocol for environmental data collection and discuss the consideration of variables affecting search success.

Course Description

The workshop will engage professional archeologists and students from universities, consulting companies, governmental agencies, and elsewhere. Participants will receive training to understand when to employ HRD dog survey in archeological settings, methods, and how to interpret results. Field exercises will demonstrate best practices regarding HRD dog survey under various circumstances. Workshop instructors include certified dog handler teams, leading experts in HRD dog survey, and professional archeologists leading the development of this practice. Field exercises will take place at various points of interest at Poverty Point, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and earthwork complex. There are post-contact human burials recorded within the complex, some of which are unmarked, making this an ideal location for HRD dog survey. Previous investigations utilizing HRD dogs at Poverty Point demonstrate that this location is ideal for research and training.

Poverty Point: A bird's eye view of the mounds.

Photo by Poverty Point.

Instructors

Instructors are subject to change.

Michael (Ben) Alexander, Texas State University
K9 Training Coordinator and Visiting Professor, Forensic Anthropology Center (FACTS)

Diana Greenlee, University of Louisiana Monroe School of Sciences
Station Archeologist and Adjunct Professor, Poverty Point

Lisa Higgins, Louisiana Search and Rescue K9 Team (LASAR)
Certified NASAR SARTECH II, certified Canine SAR Tech IIILASAR founding member

Cat Warren, North Carolina State University
Professor Emerita, Department of English

Learning Objectives

• Students will be able to identify archeological sites ideal for HRD data collection and understand the method and theory behind canine-aided remote sensing.

• Students will have an advanced understanding of science behind HRD regarding scent detection, soil science, and atmospheric conditions.

• Students will have foundational knowledge in handler's search strategies and methods.

• Students will be familiarized data collection in conjunction with HRD survey.

• Students will have a foundational knowledge of processing and interpreting HRD results.

• Students will understand their options regarding HRD dog searches at archeological sites containing human burials and have the foundational knowledge to integrate this technique into research and reporting.

Course Schedule

The general schedule of the course will be released to registered participants.

You can expect to see hands-on exercises in the classroom and in the field, as well as lectures and presentations.

Logistics

Dates: May 9 - 11, 2023.
The workshop will begin at 8 am on Tuesday, May 9 and end at 5 pm on Thursday, May 11.

Fee: Regular participants: $600. Student particpants: $300.

Location: Poverty Point World Heritage Site, 6859 LA-577, Pioneer, LA 71266.
The lecture portion of the workshop will be held in the common room of the Archeological Dormitory located on the the Poverty Point campus. Field exercises will take place at two nearby locations, with more information forthcoming. The weather in northeastern Louisiana is generally warm by May, with average high temperatures of about 81°F and lows around 60°F. Rain is also likely, so plan accordingly.

Transportation and Housing: Participants will provide their own transportation to and from Pioneer, Louisiana. The nearest airport is the Monroe Regional Airport (MLU).
Poverty Point Dormitory at the end of Poverty Point Drive, Pioneer, LA 71266, is available for workshop at no cost to participants. The dormitory consists of two separate sleeping areas for 20 men and 20 women. No exceptions can be made to the segregation of the sleeping areas. The facilities include: a laundry room with washers and dryers, kitchen facilities, cleaning supplies, and men's and women's restrooms. Note that you must provide your own bedding for a twin XL, towels, and food. No alcohol is allowed in the dorm. No animals are allowed in the dorm. No participants' canines are allowed on premises for the workshop. If you are planning to stay in the dorm, please contact Sadie Schoeffler.

Information regarding alternative lodging near Poverty Point is available at Oak Grove Inn and Suites (22 minute drive to Poverty Point). Mention the HRD Workshop when making a reservation.
Other hotel options include: Best Western Delhi Inn (23 minute drive to Poverty Point), Champions Black Bear Lodge (17 minute drive to Poverty Point), Lakeview Inn & Suites (25 minute drive to Poverty Point).

Food: Meals will be the responsibility of the participants. There are several options within a short driving distance of the hotel in Oak Grove, Louisiana.

Apply for this Workshop

This is the link to sign up for the workshop through the Friends of NCPTT.

Deadline to appy: Friday, May 5, 2023, by 5:00 pm (Central Time).

Friends of NCPTT Events Cancellation Policy:

Since workshops and conferences fill quickly, please sign up as early as possible. If you need to withdraw from an event, you must contact the organizer in writing via email at Tad Britt, [e-mail] [phone].

Cancellations more than 30 days prior to an event will be fully refunded less a $30 administrative fee. No refunds will be available for cancellations within 30 days of the event, but funds may be credited towards a future NCPTT event. If the Friends of NCPTT must cancel an event, you may choose a full refund of the registration fee or a credit for a future Friends of NCPTT event.

Questions?
Please contact Tad Britt, [e-mail] [phone], with questions regarding this workshop.