Failing Up: Stories of Mistakes and Failures in Archaeology

Thank you to everyone who attended the event. If you’d like to receive a recording, please email us at info@thefairfieldfoundation.com

“Failure is not something to be avoided at all costs. It’s a crucial part of learning and innovation.” – Amy Edmondson

At The Fair Field Foundation, we’re committed to supporting career growth and longevity in archaeology — and we know that mistakes and failures are an important part of the journey.

In this virtual panel, hear from seasoned archaeologists as they share candid stories about the challenges, mistakes, and failures in their careers, and the lessons they could not have learned any other way. Discover how they turned setbacks into growth and leave with practical tools to keep moving forward in your own path.

Our Founder, Margarita de Guzman, will moderate the panel and will be joined by:

• Dr. Dana Lepofsky, Professor Emerita in the Department of Archaeology at Simon Fraser University (Greater Vancouver, British Columbia)
• Dr. Amelia Fay, Director of Research, Collections, & Exhibitions, Manitoba Museum (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
• Dr. Phyllis Johnson, Assistant Professor of Anthropology at Michigan State University (East Lansing, Michigan)

Date: November 27, 2025
Time: 2:30 PM MT
Location: Zoom

Happy Hour at Sláinte Whisky Piano Bar

We were proud to host our fourth annual event at the CAA 57th Annual General Meeting and Conference, where we invited women and all marginalized genders to an intimate happy hour focused on sharing experiences in archaeology. It was a meaningful opportunity to network and connect with other professionals who may share similar challenges and wins in the industry. We discussed career paths, highlights, favourite aspects of working in archaeology, and what day-to-day life looks like for those in the field.

Sláinte [slawn-che], meaning ‘health’ or ‘cheers,’ is a local whiskey and piano bar in downtown St. John’s, offering unparalleled views of Signal Hill, the harbour, and the Narrows. Nestled among historic buildings and just a few minutes’ walk from the Alt Hotel, this modern venue provided the perfect setting to relax and connect.

Date: May 2, 2025
Location: Sláinte Whisky Piano Bar, St. John’s, NL

Happy Hour at the PARLoR

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the CAA 56th Annual General Meeting and Conference. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming virtual and in-person events.

During the CAA 56th Annual General Meeting and Conference, we hosted an intimate happy hour at PARLoR, a favourite venue in Saskatoon, focused on the experiences of women in archaeology. It was a fantastic opportunity for attendees to network and connect with professionals who share similar experiences in the field.

The evening centred around discussions on career paths, challenges, highlights, and the day-to-day realities of working in archaeology as a woman. Guests enjoyed light appetizers and a complimentary drink, with a cash bar also available.

Date: April 2024
Location: Saskatoon, Saskatchewan

Virtual Panel: Parenthood and the Field

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This virtual panel explored one of the toughest challenges in the field: parenthood. Archaeologists, both early in their careers and more experienced, shared insights, tips, and lessons learned about balancing motherhood while working away from home.

Date: April 13, 2024
Time: 1:00 PM MDT
Location: Zoom

The Fair Field Foundation at the Council for Northeast Historical Archaeology (CNEHA) Conference

Thank you to everyone who attended the event. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming virtual and in-person events.

We hosted a thoughtful and empowering event at Council for Northeast Historical Archaeology (CNEHA) Conference 2023, organized by two of our amazing representatives, Rachel Archambault and Laurence Ferland.

The panel featured four incredible women from academia, cultural resource management, and museums, who tackled some big questions about navigating careers in archaeology.

Date: November 2023
Location: Montréal, Quebec

Empowering Young Women in Archaeology: A Platform for Emerging Voices

Thank you to everyone who joined us at the CAA 55th Annual General Meeting and Conference. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming virtual and in-person events.

Our Founder Margarita hosted a powerful session titled Empowering Young Women in Archaeology: A Platform for Emerging Voices, creating space for the next generation to share their stories and perspectives.

The CAA 55th Annual General Meeting and Conference was a very special milestone for The Fair Field Foundation, as it gave some of our Founding Directors and incredible Mentors the chance to meet in person for the first time!

Date: May 2023
Location: Membertou, Nova Scotia

Women’s Luncheon

Thank you to everyone who joined us. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming virtual and in-person events.

The Fair Field Foundation proudly hosted a Women’s Luncheon during the CAA 55th Annual General Meeting and Conference. This lively and welcoming event brought together women in archaeology for an afternoon of connection, conversation, and community. With food and drinks provided for up to 40 attendees, the luncheon offered a casual yet meaningful space to build relationships and celebrate the contributions of women in the field.

Date: May 2023
Location: Membertou, Nova Scotia

Virtual Panel: Reflections from Women in Archaeology

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This virtual event brought together three women at different stages of their archaeological careers. Moderated by our Founder Margarita de Guzman, the panel featured Laureen Bryant, Cultural Landscape Planner for the City of Calgary; Chelsea Colwell-Pasch, President and Senior Archaeologist of Colbr Consulting Inc; and Georgina Covey, an undergraduate archaeology student at Simon Fraser University.

Date: January 25, 2023
Time: 6:00 PM MST
Location: Zoom

The Fair Field Foundation at the CAA 54th Annual General Meeting and Conference

Thank you to everyone who attended the event. Subscribe to our newsletter for updates on upcoming virtual and in-person events.

This inaugural in-person event brought together women at different stages of their archaeological careers for powerful conversations about navigating the field, building a fulfilling long-term career, and the importance of increasing female representation in archaeology. Our Founder Margarita and TFFF member Laureen brought some positive energy to the day—channeling their inner Oprah and Gayle—while everyone listened in!

Date: April 2022
Location: Edmonton, Alberta