Meet FFF Founding Director: Rachel Archambault

Let’s get to know Founding Director Rachel Archambault! Rachel is a CRM archaeologist based in Quebec, who specializes in the material culture of the historical and contemporary periods. She holds a bachelor’s and master’s degree in archeology from Laval University, with the latter focused on the relationship between drinking practices, Victorian class norms and socio-economic status. She is currently doing a Ph.D. at the University of Montreal where she is interested in recent material culture found on contemporary archaeological sites on the island of Barbuda (Lesser Antilles) that testify to the complex and multifaceted relationship that the local community has with their territory.

Through her research, she documents consumption behaviours, waste and community gatherings, the cultural significance of these gatherings and the traces (‘garbage’) they left behind, and the environmental impacts of the presence of these contemporary artifacts within natural spaces. This research allows her to test field and laboratory methodologies adapted to the archaeology of the recent past, including surface-only documentation, use of AI and analysis of recent plastics. She also promotes Quebec’s archaeological heritage through involvement in various committees and boards of directors, a presence in social networks and active participation in conferences and mainstream media.

What would you say your #1 hardship in the field was, and what did you do to overcome it?

During my first fieldwork, as part of the Laval University field school, I found it difficult to trust myself during the first days of excavation; is there really a change of soil, or am I imagining it? Is it an artifact or just a rock? If I go faster, am I going to see the difference between soil types well or am I going to destroy something without having any clue of what’s going on? Doubting ourselves, our observations and our interpretations is quite normal during a first dig, and it is by asking questions, seeking to understand, and being supported by colleagues and supervisors that we learn to trust ourselves more.

On the flip side, what is the funniest thing that has happened to you in the field? 

Excavating a 19th century privy, which was as rich in artifacts as it was in wet, organic and faecal matter, under heavy rain. When you’re soaked in a mixture of rain and other semi-liquid stuff, but find wonders every second, you can’t help but laugh at the situation with your co-workers and continue working! I remember both the terrible smell, and the wonderful memories of uncontrollable laughter!

Could you tell us something about yourself that we do not know?

During my undergrad studies, I loved my extra-curricular courses in medieval art history and I decided to do an art history certificate during my archaeology studies, not knowing which field I wanted to continue my Master’s degree in. Finally, I chose archaeology, but I have very good memories of my medieval iconography classes and I cherish this diploma!

What made you first pursue Archaeology as a career path?

The fact that it is a dynamic and constantly evolving discipline that requires curiosity and critical thinking. I like the fact that we often do problem solving, such as an investigation, where we have to study and interpret the clues we have in hand, by taking advantage of a myriad of varied knowledge and relying on the sub-disciplines that characterize archaeology.

What is your archaeological dream?

To teach the future generations of archaeologists courses focused on contemporary archaeology and the contributions of this specialization in current societal and environmental issues.

What inspired you to join FFF as a founding member? 

The mission of the FFF is directly in line with my professional and personal values of mutual aid, community and highlighting both the discipline and the fascinating people who bring it to life.

Where do you hope the FFF will go in the future?

That the foundation will be a go-to resource for women in archeology across Canada and that it continues its crucial role in building supportive, positive, and inclusive communities.

We love that last note, Rachel! We hope so too. ❤️ For those who want to learn more about what we do, pay our homepage a visit here, and don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.