Dig for Dinosaurs on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation

02-27-2008

 

 

(Fort Yates, ND)  Discover the exciting connection between dinosaurs and Native Americans while digging for dinosaur fossils on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation.  The Standing Rock Sioux Tribe is pleased to announce a one- week paleontology field camp for the general public that will combine dinosaur fossil excavation with Dakota/Lakota culture.

 

Although dinosaur fossils have been known to exist by local tribal members for many generations on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation, it is only been recently that the Standing Rock Sioux Tribe has opened excavation up to the public.

 

World-renowned dinosaur expert Dr. Gerald Grellet-Tinner will lead the excavation team.  Dr. Grellet-Tinner has been involved in national and international field excavations for more than 20 years.  He has taught at UCLA, USC and is currently a paleontology professor at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. 

 

Participants will receive hands-on training and experience in the field techniques used in vertebrate paleontology.   Some of the topics covered will be regional geology, stratigraphy, basic dinosaur anatomy and phylogeny, exploration and excavation techniques as well as site documentation and procedures.

 

After a day of excavating, participants will spend the evening listening to traditional Dakota/Lakota stories from tribal members.  For example, one story describes the relationship between the Dakota/Lakota people and dinosaurs.  In addition, there will be instruction on throwing an atlatal and erecting a tipi.  The field school is scheduled to coincide with annual pow-wows that will be held on the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation so that participants can attend.

 

The cost for one week for one person is $1200.  The price includes travel to and from regional airports Bismarck, ND and Rapid, SD, field manual, handouts, tents, and all meals.  Field camps are limited to 12 participants.

 

For more information, please contact Standing Rock Sioux Tribal Tourism Director, LaDonna Brave Bull Allard at 701-854-8500 ext. 186 or LaDonnaBrave1@aol.com.

 

 

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