91ÅÝܽ

Welcome to the Department of Archaeology at 91ÅÝܽ!

My name is Bob Muir, and I am honoured to be stepping into the role of Chair in the Department of Archaeology at SFU. It is a privilege to serve this community of students, researchers, and colleagues, and I am excited to continue to build on the department’s longstanding tradition of excellence in research, teaching, and engagement.

For more than 50 years, our department has been at the forefront of exploring the human past, from our deepest evolutionary origins to complex societies of the recent past. Established in 1971, the department was founded on a vision that emphasised hands-on field and laboratory training, robust graduate programs, and a strong foundation in archaeological science. This vision has guided our growth from an original core of four faculty members to the vibrant and diverse department we are today, with dedicated, custom-built research laboratories, three prestigious Canada Research Chairs, and a strong international reputation for research impact.  Our alumni can be found in influential positions in academia, government, and the private sector around the globe.

A cornerstone of our identity is a profound commitment to community engagement. We believe that archaeology must be relevant and accessible, empowering the communities whose heritage we study. This philosophy is woven into the fabric of our work, from long-term partnerships with First Nations in British Columbia, to collaborative projects with communities across the globe in places like Ethiopia, Curacao, and Portugal.

Our department is home to internationally recognized faculty with diverse expertise in:

Archaeological Science: Applying techniques like isotopic analysis, ancient DNA, geoarchaeology, zooarchaeology, and archaeobotany to uncover detailed insights into past diets, migrations, and environments.

Bioarchaeology and Human Evolution: Exploring everything from the evolutionary history of our species and primate behaviour to forensic anthropology and the study of health and disease in ancient populations.

Heritage Management and Indigenous Archaeology: Focusing on the ethical stewardship of cultural resources, community-based research, resource conservation, and museology, with the goal of making archaeology more relevant and beneficial to descendant communities.

Global Archaeology: Our faculty lead research projects across the globe, with regional expertise spanning the Pacific Northwest, Oceania, the Caribbean, Africa, Europe, and Asia.

The Department of Archaeology is also home to the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology (MAE), a vibrant centre for teaching, research, and community engagement. The MAE houses and displays extensive archaeological and ethnological collections that support experiential learning for students, school groups, and the public. Through its volunteer and work-study programs, the MAE provides valuable training in collections management, exhibit design, and public outreach. As an active community hub, the museum also hosts special community events and artists in residence, fostering connections between the university, researchers, and the broader public.

We invite you to explore our website for more information.