UNIVERSITY OF ALASKA ANCHORAGE
Grant: $430,063 - National Science Foundation - Aug. 25, 2009
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Award Description: Early historical records about people of the Aleutian Archipelago of Alaska emphasized the importance of coastal resources to the cultures, leading Laughlin (1980:20) to conclude 'The interior land surfaces on the other hand were irrelevant to their way of life.' The project researchers argue that archaeologists limited surveys for sites to the shoreline and eventually concluded there were no sites upland. The research team of Hanson, Staley and Corbett found an upland site in 1983 with 17 bermed, circular, cultural depressions on Adak Island leading to a profound shift in their understanding of land use in the Aleutian Chain. In 2007, the three archaeologists returned and found eight new sites in the same area, demonstrating that upland sites are not anomalous nor were 'interior lands irrelevant'. The goal of the project is to determine the function of upland sites on Adak Island. The objectives of this project are to incorporate data from site surveys and excavations into cultural histories for the Central Aleutian Islands; develop a predictive model for upland sites; share the resulting information with colleagues, Aleut people and the interested public; and provide a film about Aleutian Island archaeology to children attending Alaska Public Schools. The project activities will occur over three years. During the first year, the project will expand on earlier surveys to develop a predictive model for upland sites. The archaeologists will record new sites using a hand-held GPS and map the new sites and two sites found during the 2007 survey using a Trimble GeoXT or a tape and compass. Archaeological excavations will be undertaken in year two and an educational video about Aleutian Island archaeology will also be produced as a means of community outreach and public education. In addition, the project includes facilitation of individualized research programs for graduate, undergraduate and local community high school students.
Project Description: The University of Alaska Anchorage is required to obtain expenditure permission from the State of Alaska Legislative Budget and Audit Committee prior to commencement of grant activity. This permission was obtained on 9/8/2009. The dollar amount of reimbursement listed on this first quarterly report reflects this delay in expenditure authority based on State of Alaska requirements. The amount of funds requested/received by UAA have been impacted by this additional approval process. The project activities may, therefore, reflect more activity than the amount of reimbursement would demonstrate. Please also note that the University of Alaska's fiscal month-end posting is normally five to seven days after the previous month's last day. For example, September's month-end posting will occur October 7th, 2009. This disparity between calendar month-end and the actual date of month-end posting will be consistent throughout the course of the project. The Principal Investigator, Dr. Hanson, is working with UAA Human Resource Services to prepare paperwork to hire one Graduate Student beginning October 12th. Besides Dr. Hanson's office in BMH Room 225, the project will be done outside in the field of the Central Aleutian Islands or in various laboratories.
Jobs Summary: One Graduate Student should be hired by October 12th. This will be a .50 FTE position created. (Total jobs reported: 0)
Project Status: Not Started
This award's data was last updated on Aug. 25, 2009. Help expand these official descriptions using the wiki below.
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