ABOUT ME
Hi, thanks for visiting!
I’m Nicole
I was born in Nanaimo, BC and now live in Victoria BC working as an archaeologist and educator. I first learned about the rich heritage of this coast as a grade 3 student from the lovely and wise Snuneymuxw elder, Dr. Ellen White, who visited my classroom at Seaview Elementary School in 1983. It wasn’t until I entered university that my learning about the northwest coast, my home, continued as I pursued a degree in anthropology. Since 2000, I have been honored to practice archaeology on the BC coast, and to be welcomed into the traditional territories of more than two dozen First Nations spanning Coast Salish, Nuu-chah-nulth, Laich-Kwil-Tach, Kwakwakwa’ak, Haida, Heiltsuk and Tsimshian culture areas.
As a professional archaeologist I work primarily with First Nations communities, The Hakai Institute, Parks Canada, the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and colleagues at various universities. My archaeological research focuses on clam gardens, fish traps, household archaeology at recent village sites, stone tool analysis, and seeking out very ancient archaeological sites (10,000+ years old) in the intertidal zone, forests and caves. I have appeared in documentary productions for the BBC and Découverte on Radio-Canada and have given interviews on Global TV and CBC radio. As an educator, I’ve taught anthropology, archaeology, and ESL (English as a second language) to youth, post-secondary and adult learners. I believe that archaeological stories can inspire people, empower indigenous youth, and facilitate cross-cultural education and understanding. I feel deeply honoured to work on projects that examine the human history of the BC coast and am only now starting to realize how the early lessons from Dr. White have shaped me as a person. Like her, I find myself in classrooms from time to time and sincerely hope that by talking about my experiences in a good way, that I too can inspire students to celebrate the diversity and heritage of our coast.
Publications
BOOKs
2023
Nicole F. Smith, Dig Deep: Connecting Archaeology, Oceans and Us. Orca Book Publishers. Order Here
Book Awards:
2025 Young Readers’ Choice Book Awards of British Columbia (YRCABC) Red Cedar Book Awards – Nonfiction – Nominated
2024 Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) Public Communications Awards – Writer/Producer – Winner
2024 Science Writers and Communicators of Canada (SWCC) Book Awards – Youth Category – Long-listed
2024 The Nature Generation Green Earth Book Award – Children’s Nonfiction – Long-listed
2023 Evanston Public Library Blueberry Award – Changemakers – Commended
2023 Ontario Library Association (OLA) Best Bets – Honourable Mention – Commended
2023 CCBC Best Books for Kids & Teens – Commended
2023 UN Ocean Decade Activity Endorsement for the publication and promotion of Dig Deep: Connecting Archaeology, Oceans and Us
2023 BC Books for Schools – Commended
Academic Publications
(Peer Reviewed)
2024
Cox, K. D., Davies, H. L., Millard-Martin, B., Black, M. J., Hessing-Lewis, M., Smith, N.F., Juanes, F., & Dudas, S. E. Ancient and contemporary shellfish cultivation practices bolster bivalve communities and diversity-biomass relationships. People and Nature, https://doi.org/10.1002/pan3.10724.
2024
Cox, K. D., Davies, H. L., Millard-Martin, B., Black, M. J., Hessing-Lewis, M., Smith, N.F., Juanes, F., & Dudas, S. E. Ancestral and contemporary intertidal mariculture practices support marine biodiversity in the northeast Pacific. Communications Earth & Environment, 5, 351. https://doi.org/10.1038/s43247-024-01515-3
2023
Hatch, M. B. A., Parrish, J. K., Heppell, S. S., Augustine, S., Campbell, L., Divine, L. M., Donatuto, J., Groesbeck, A. S., & Smith, N. F. Boundary spanners: a critical role for enduring collaborations between Indigenous communities and mainstream scientists. Ecology and Society, 28(1), 41. https://doi.org/10.5751/ES-13887-280141
2022
Keith R Holmes, Dana Lepofsky, Nicole F Smith, Travis D Crowell, Anne K Salomon, Ancestral sea gardens supported human settlements for at least 3800 years on the Northwest Coast of North America. Frontiers in Earth Science. 26 October 2022. doi.org/10.3389/feart.2022.98811
2020
Holmes, K., Cox, K., Cline, A.R., Hatch, M.B.A., Black, M.J., Salomon, A.K., Lepofsky, D., Smith, N.F. and Dudas, S, Ancient Ecology: The Quadra Island Clam Gardens. Fisheries, 45: 151-156. doi: 10.1002/fsh.10374
2019
Smith N.F., Lepofsky D, Toniello G, Holmes K, Wilson L, Neudorf C, Roberts C. 3500 years of shellfish mariculture on the Northwest Coast of North America. PLoS ONE 14(2): e0211194. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0211194
2018
Fedje D, McLaren D, James T, Mackie Q, Smith N, Southon J, Mackie A. A revised sea level history for the Northern Strait of Georgia, British Columbia, Canada. Quaternary Science Reviews. 2018; 192: 300-316
2017
Neudorf CM, Smith N.F., Lepofsky D, Toniello G, Lian OB, Between a rock and a soft place: Using optical ages to date ancient clam gardens on the Pacific Northwest. PLoS ONE 12(2): e0171775. doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0171775
2015
Lepofsky, D., N.F. Smith, N. Cardinal, J. Harper, M. Morris, Gitla (E. White), R. Bouchard, D. I. D. Kennedy, A. K. Salomon, M. Puckett, K. Rowell, and E. McLay, Ancient Shellfish Mariculture on the Northwest Coast of North America. American Antiquity, Pp. 236-259, Vol.80, No.2, April 2015.
2011
Fedje, D. W., Q. Mackie, N.F. Smith, and D. McLaren, Function, Visibility, and Interpretation of Archaeological Assemblages at the Pleistocene – Holocene Transition in Haida Gwaii. In From the Yenisei to the Yukon: Interpreting Lithic Assemblage Variability in Late Pleistocene/Early Holocene Beringia, edited by T. Goebel and I. Buvit. College Station: Texas A&M University Press.
2011
Mackie, Q., D. W. Fedje, D. McLaren, N.F. Smith and I. McKechnie, Early Environments and Archaeology of Coastal British Columbia. In Trekking the Shore: Changing Coastlines and the Antiquity of Coastal Settlement, edited by N. F. Bicho, J. A. Haws & L. Davis. pp. 51–103. Interdisciplinary Contributions to Archaeology. Springer, New York.
2008
McLaren, D. and N. F. Smith, The Stratigraphy of Bifacial Implements at the Richardson Island Site, Haida Gwaii. In Projectile Point Sequences in Northwestern North America. R. Carlson and M. Magne, eds. Pp 41 – 60. SFU Press, Burnaby, B.C.
2003
Smith, N.F., M. Rogers, A. Gemmill, and T. Smith (Eds.), Cultural Reflections: Journal of the Graduate Students of Anthropology, University of Victoria, Vol. 5.
public outreach &
Non-Peer Reviewed Publications
2025
hwsyun’yun S. Augustine, A̲lag̱a̱mił N. Norris, S. Cargill, Z. Chila, H. Clermont, B. DeRoy, C. Greiner, M. Guttman, S. Harris, M. Hatch, E. Kelch, D. Lepofsky, R. Martone, H. Morris, A. Salomon, J.J. Silver, E. Slade, E. Shaver, J. Williams, and N.F. Smith. Before You Add a Rock: A Pathways Document for Clam Garden Restoration. 2025.
2024
N. F. Smith, Roberts, C., Mathews, D., Salmen-Hartley, J., Joseph, C., Sheps, K., Underwood, B., Henry, C., Henry, S., & Norris, N. Cultural Heritage and Climate Change, Workshop Report. Ocean Decade Collaborative Centre for the NE Pacific. June 2024
2023
Nicole Smith and Jennifer Silver. The Clam Garden Network in BRIDGES: A Humanities-led UNESCO Coalition for Sustainability; Toward a Global Mapping of Integrated Societally Co-produced Sustainability Science
2022
Kii’iljuus B Wilson, N. Smith, A. Salomon, S. Augustine Naw náaGalang – Octopus Houses of Haida Gwaii. Sea Gardens Across the Pacific Story Map. Pacific Sea Garden Collective (eds). doi.org/10.6069/ZJB9-CG30
2022
N. Smith, Alag̱a̱mił N. Norris, Qaixaitasu Elroy White, S. Augustine, M. Hatch, J. Harper, D. Lepofsky, M. Morris, A. Salomon, J. Silver, and E. Spencer. 2021 How to Identify and Record a Clam Garden. Clam Garden Network.
2020
N.F. Smith and ICLEI Canada. Considering Sea Level Rise and Cultural Heritage: A Resource for Municipalities. An Initiative from the Together for Climate Project. icleicanada.org/project/protecting-cultural-heritage-from-sea-level-rise/
2020
Lepofsky, D., N. Smith, P. Waterfall, and E. White. Húy̓at: Our Voices, Our Land Teacher’s Guide: Grade 9 Social Studies and Science Curricular Competencies and Content Linkages. www.hauyat.ca/about.html#teacher-guide
2018
Smith, N.F. Clam Gardens! Dimensions, British Columbia Social Studies Teachers’ Association. February 2018, Pg.11.
2017
D. Lepofsky and N.F. Smith, Ancient Clam Gardening on the Northwest Coast, British Columbia History, The British Columbia Historical Federation Magazine, Spring 2017, Vol. 50, No.1.
2015
N.F. Smith, D. Lepofsky, and the Clam Garden Network. The Clam Garden Network. Launched Feb.1, 2015. www.clamgarden.com
2013
McKechnie, Iain and N.F. Smith, Coastal Field Archaeology in Huu-ay-aht First Nation Territory, Southwestern Vancouver Island, British Columbia, Canada. SAA Current Research Online 153(1).
2009
Smith, N.F. Visitor Update. Gwaii Haanas National Park Reserve and Haida Heritage Site, Kiing’aay, Staff Newsletter, March 27th, 2009.
2008
Smith, N.F., University of Victoria at Hiikwis, Vancouver Island. The Midden. Vol. 40 (3):11-12.
2008
Sanders, A. and N.F. Smith, Reporting on Investigations in Northwest Coast Archaeology. The Midden. Vol. 38 (3):5 – 8.
2004
Mackie, Q. and N.F. Smith, Early Holocene Occupation Layers at the Richardson Island Site, Haida Gwaii. The Debitage. Vol. 2(1):2-6.
1997
Smith, N.F., Boot Review: Adidas Predator Traxion. On the Ball: The Women’s Football Magazine. Vol. 7:16.
Thesis
2004
N.F. Smith A Geochemical Approach to Understanding Raw Material Use and Stone Tool Production at the Richardson Island Archaeological Site, Haida Gwaii, British Columbia, Unpublished MA Thesis, University of Victoria, BC, Canada. www.academia.edu/3404441
experience
Education
2004
Masters of Arts
Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria
Thesis: A Geochemical Approach to Understanding Raw Material Use and Stone Tool Production at the Richardson Island Archaeological Site, Haida Gwaii, BC.
1998
Cambridge CELTA (Certificate in Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages)
Cambridge English Language Assessment, University of Cambridge/British Language Institute, Madrid, Spain
1997
Bachelor of Arts w/ Distinction
Department of Anthropology, University of Victoria
Professional Appointments
2012 – Present
Professional Permit Holding Archaeologist and Educator,
Victoria, BC.
2019 – Present
founder Archaeology in schools,
Victoria, BC.
2022 – 2024
Program Coordinator, Cultural Heritage Initiatives,
UN Ocean Decade Regional Collaborative Centre for NE Pacific
Tula Foundation, Hakai Institute.
2014 – 2019
Archaeologist,
Hakai Institute and University of Victoria, BC.
2007 – 2012
Archaeologist,
Parks Canada, Victoria and Vancouver, BC.
2006 – 2007
Independent Professional Archaeologist,
Victoria, BC.
2005 – 2006
Senior (Permit Holding) Archaeologist,
Millennia Research Ltd., Victoria, BC.
2004
Senior Archaeologist,
Huu-ay-aht First Nation and Coast Heritage Consulting, Pachena Bay, BC.
2003
Archaeologist,
I.R. Wilson Consultants Ltd., Victoria, BC.
2000 – 2002
Associate Director of Admissions,
Shawnigan Lake School, Shawnigan Lake, BC.
Teaching Appointments
2012 – 2015
University of Victoria, Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre, Instructor,
Coastal Field Archaeology
2006 – 2008
University of Victoria, Instructor,
Anthropology 343 (Archaeological Field Methods), Anthropology 344 (Regional Topics in Archaeology).
2006 – 2007
Camosun College, Instructor,
Anthropology 104 (Introduction to Anthropology), Anthropology 140 (Archaeology of the Pacific Rim), Anthropology 240 (Archaeological Method and Theory), (Maternity Leave Replacement Fall 2006, Spring 2007, Fall 2007).
2003 – 2004
University of Victoria, Lab Instructor,
Anthropology 240 (Introduction to Archaeology), Anthropology 250 (Introduction to Physical Anthropology).
2002 – 2004
University of Victoria, Teaching Assistant,
Anthropology 200 (Cultural Anthropology); Anthropology 240 (Introduction to Archaeology); Anthropology 250 (Introduction to Physical Anthropology); Anthropology 311 (Applied Anthropology).
1999 – 2000
Shawnigan Lake School, Teaching Intern, Tutor, Coach
1999
GEOS Language Academy, Vancouver, BC, Instructor,
English as a Second Language to International Adult Students at beginner, intermediate, and advanced language levels (January – June 1999).
1998
British Language Institute, Madrid, Spain, Instructor,
English Language Courses taught to both adults and children at beginner, intermediate and advanced language levels (March – December 1998).
Presentations
invited presentations, panelist, and Keynotes (Recent)
2025 British Columbia Association of Professional Archaeologists AGM. Invited Presentation about Clam Gardens. March 8, 2025
2024 Nanwakolas Community Feast. Co-presentation with Christine Roberts about Loxiwe. November 19th, 2024.
2024 BC Science Teacher’s Association. Catalyst Conference. October 25, 2024
2024 Salish Sea Initiative, Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Archaeology Informing Cumulative Effects in the Salish Sea, presentation. Feb. 7, 2024.
2024 Climate Change and Health Community Gathering, Island Health and Snuneymuxw First Nation, invited presenter and panelist, January 24-25th, 2024.
2023 Indigenous Sport, Physical Activity & Recreation Council. Co-presentation with Marco Hatch about Clam Gardens. October 25th, 2023.
2023 BC Science Teacher’s Association. Catalyst Conference. October 20th, 2023. Pro-D Presentation on using Dig Deep: Connecting Archaeology, Oceans and Us in the classroom
2023 Thetis Island Nature Conservancy. Archaeology Stream to Sea presentation and Book Signing. July 23rd, 2023
2023 Royal BC Museum. Book Reading with two other local authors. June 4, 2023
2023 Nanwakolas Guardians Gathering. presentation to Guardians about Pathways Document for Clam Garden Restoration in development, May 17th, 2023.
2023 Museum of Anthropology. presentation to museum volunteer association about Dig Deep: Connecting Archaeology, Oceans and Us and Archaeology Stream to Sea. May 15, 2023
2023 University of Victoria, Department of Anthropology, Currents Conference. Keynote address. April 6th, 2023
2023 Sooke Teacher’s Association, Pro-D workshop and presentations. Clam Gardens and Archaeology Stream to Sea. April 21, 2023
2023 UBC & SFU Careers in Knowledge Mobilization and Communication. Invited Panelist. Online via zoom. March 8, 2023
2023 IMPAC5 Ocean Festival, Vancouver Convention Centre, Feb. 4, 2023, table about archaeology and reading from Dig Deep: Connecting Archaeology, Oceans and Us
2023 Nuu-Chah-Nulth Warriors, presentation to warriors about clam gardens, Sarita Bay, BC, Jan. 20-22, 2023.
2022 Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure (MOTI), Invited co-presentation with Iain McKechnie for all staff in the Ministry. November 16, 2022.
2022 Department of Fisheries and Oceans. Salish Sea Initiative, invited presentation.
2022 BC Science Teacher’s Association. Catalyst Conference. October 21st, 2022.
2021 BC Science Teacher’s Association. Catalyst Conference. October 22nd, 2021.
2021 Clam Garden Network Conversations Series Webinar 1. April 23rd, 2021, and Webinar 2. September 17th, 2021.
2021 Vancouver School Board. Co-presentation with Dana Lepofsky re Huyat, May 26th, 2021
2021 Simon Fraser University. Department of Archaeology, Seminar Series. April 16th, 2021
2021 Raincoast Education Society. Invited Presentation. January 26, 2021.
2020 BC Science Teacher’s Association. Catalyst Conference. October 23rd, 2020.
2020 Sooke School District. Teacher Pro-D. Cancelled due to Covid-19
2020 Royal BC Museum. Learning about Archaeology, Teacher Pro-D, May 15, 2022
Cancelled due to Covid-19
2020 Keynote address. Department of Anthropology. University of Victoria, April 2, 2020. Cancelled due to Covid-19
2019 Keynote address. Archaeology from Stream to Sea. DFO and School District 68