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.
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