• Age: 9 to 12
• Grade: 4 to 7
• Reading age: 9 to 12

What can archaeology and Indigenous Traditional Knowledge tell us about how our marine environments have changed over time and the effects of climate change?

From harvesting herring eggs to hunting humpback whales, humans have had a relationship with the world's oceans for more than 100,000 years. In Dig Deep: Connecting Archaeology, Oceans and Us, young readers unearth what our ancestors left behind at archaeological sites around the world and examine how tools, campsites, fishing technologies and even garbage can show us how our ancestors lived and how they used the ocean. These discoveries can unearth clues to help keep our oceans healthier today and in the future.

Nicole Smith is an archaeologist, educator and speaker. Since 2000, archaeological research has taken her throughout coastal British Columbia, to the Northwest Territories and to Tierra del Fuego in southernmost Argentina. She has worked with over 20 First Nations communities throughout BC and academic colleagues to broaden the knowledge about coastal heritage, focusing on clam gardens, fish traps, stone tools, archaeological sites over 10,000 years old and the effects of climate change and sea-level rise on cultural heritage. Her teams’ results have been published internationally and recognized in the media, including the BBC, CBC’s Quirks & Quarks and Hakai Magazine. She loves working with grade-school students to help them learn more about archaeology. Nicole lives with her family on the Traditional Territories of the Coast Salish Peoples on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia.

Nicole F. Smith's profile page

• Long-listed, The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award - Children’s Nonfiction
• Commended, Ontario Library association (OLA) Best Bets - Honourable Mention
• Commended, Evanston Public Library Blueberry Award - Changemakers
• Commended, CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens

“A unique perspective on archaeology…highly recommended for its informative and engaging approach to archaeology and environmental issues.”

Children's Literature Comprehensive Database (CLCD)

“Provides readers with an introduction to archeology…Slim yet informative…Recommended.”

School Library Connection

“Archeology and traditional Indigenous knowledge are linked together in this clever exploration of how marine environments have changed over time.”

The Globe and Mail

“The text is engaging…The emphasis on Indigenous wisdom and practices is encouraging. Highly Recommended.”

CM: Canadian Review of Materials

“An entertaining and educational read that gives aspiring archeologists an overview of the field and ideas of how they can get started digging for clues to help the planet.”

Hakai Magazine

“Chunked text and numerous color photos of science in action make this an accessible and inviting look at ecology.”

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