Publications
Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) glabriventre
A new taxonomic description of the sweat bee species Lasioglossum (Hemihalictus) glabriventre reveals distinctive morphological traits that differentiate it from similar species, such as its enlarged, broadly punctate tegula and smooth, distinctly punctate mesepisternum. The study provides a comprehensive diagnosis based on type material and additional specimens collected across Canada and the United States, including notable records from Writing-on-Stone / Áísínai’pi, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Alberta, Canada. The research clarifies taxonomic confusion by reassigning the species to the genus Lasioglossum and offers insights into its geographical distribution, contributing to the understanding of bee biodiversity in North America.
Lasioglossum ruficorne
A new taxonomic revision identifies Lasioglossum ruficorne as the senior synonym for two previously recognized species, Halictus vaporellus and Halictus pulveris, consolidating them under a single species. The study clarifies the distribution and morphological characteristics of this sweat bee, with type material examined from Nevada and Colorado, including lectotypes and syntypes. Additional specimens were collected across Canada (Alberta, British Columbia), Mexico (Baja California, Sonora), and the United States (Arizona), expanding known records. The research highlights the importance of revisiting historical collections to resolve taxonomic ambiguities, providing a foundation for future ecological studies on this species.
"The Long Shadow of a Juniper Berry"
A poetic inquiry reveals how land-based experiences can foster kinship between children, the land, and each other. Through collaborative work involving an Elder, an artist, teachers, and researchers, the study demonstrates that engaging with the environment through artistic and narrative methods—such as life writing—enhances meaningful connections to place. The research highlights the transformative potential of Indigenous-led approaches in education, showing how such experiences shape broader learning outcomes and deepen ecological awareness among children.
“When Charcoal Was Hung”: The Story Behind the Hanging Scene Petroglyph at Writing-on-Stone
A previously undocumented petroglyph at Writing-on-Stone (Áísínai’pi) in southern Alberta depicts the execution of Blood (Káínawa) warrior Charcoal (Si’k-okskitsis), following a manhunt by the North-West Mounted Police. This discovery, supported by analysis of the Biographic art lexicon, sheds new light on historical events at the UNESCO World Heritage Site. The study combines archival research with iconographic analysis to interpret the 1897 petroglyph, which was recorded in 1976 but remained enigmatic until now.
A DStretch discovery: A Crow calling card pictograph at Writing-on-Stone
A previously unknown horse and rider pictograph, identifiable as a Crow warrior-artist's 'calling card,' has been discovered at Writing-on-Stone, Alberta, using DStretch enhancement technology. The image, exposed through digital processing of photographs from site DgOv-2, depicts the artist taunting his Blackfoot enemies, presumably celebrating a victory over them. This discovery highlights the power of DStretch in uncovering obscure rock art details, offering new insights into the cultural and historical dynamics between Indigenous groups in the region.
New discoveries of Vertical Series and Foothills Abstract rock art at Writing-on-Stone, DgOv-2, southern Alberta
Researchers have uncovered new instances of Vertical Series and Foothills Abstract rock art within the Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, a region renowned for its extensive Plains Biographic and Plains Ceremonial traditions. These discoveries represent the first documented cases of these lesser-known styles in the area, challenging previous assumptions about the distribution of rock art traditions. The study describes and illustrates several panels, offering insights into their possible age, affiliation, and broader significance within the Vertical Series and Foothills Abstract traditions. While the findings are preliminary, they suggest that additional examples of these understudied styles may exist but have gone unrecognized in the past.
Continuing Writings on Stone
A new policy framework for Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park is proposed to bridge the gap between protecting tangible rock art and sustaining intangible heritage practices. The study highlights how current conservation efforts, while safeguarding existing rock art, inadvertently restrict contemporary Blackfoot artists from engaging in sacred acts of communication with the spirit world—a core aspect of their cultural tradition. By allowing traditional-style contemporary rock-art making within the park, this approach aims to revitalize living heritage without compromising preservation goals.
Agro-morphology and forage nutritive value of white prairie clover [Dalea candida(Michx.) Willd.] populations native to the Canadian prairies
White prairie clover (Dalea candida) populations native to the Canadian prairies exhibit significant variation in nutritional content, with differences observed in acid detergent fibre, neutral detergent fibre, crude protein, phosphorus, and iron levels. While biomass and seed yield did not differ significantly among six populations from Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta—including those from Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park—nutritional parameters varied notably during the bloom stage. This is the first comparative study of its kind for white prairie clover in Canada, providing insights into its potential as a domesticated forage crop. The research employed a randomized complete block design to evaluate growth characteristics and nutritional traits under field conditions.
Terrestrial snails (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) from Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada
A survey of terrestrial snails (Gastropoda: Pulmonata) in Writing-on-Stone Provincial Park, Alberta, Canada, revealed limited biodiversity in these arid, rocky environments. The study, conducted through hand-picking and litter sampling at five sites along the Milk River's cliffs and hoodoos, confirmed that the snail fauna in such hostile habitats is depauperate. This research contributes to the understanding of molluscan diversity in the Great Plains of Alberta, an area less studied compared to other regions like the Rocky Mountain Foothills or boreal forests.
Correlating etching tool materials with petroglyphs at Writing-On-Stone
Research at Writing-on-Stone (Áísínai’pi) reveals that bone or antler tools were likely used to etch the petroglyphs, aligning with the available materials during the pre-contact era. The study experimentally compared chert, bone/antler, obsidian, and metal tools to determine their compatibility with the existing petroglyph features. Bone/antler emerged as the most plausible material due to its similarity in creating the observed characteristics on the rock face. This finding provides new insights into the techniques and materials used by Indigenous peoples in Southern Alberta, addressing a significant gap in archaeological knowledge about petroglyph production.
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