معرفی
Dr. Iain McKechnie is an Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Victoria, where he directs the Historical Ecology & Coastal Archaeology (HECA) Lab and the UVic Zooarchaeology Lab. His research integrates coastal archaeology, zooarchaeology, and historical ecology to examine Indigenous fisheries, marine conservation, and human-environment interactions on the Northwest Coast. He collaborates extensively with First Nations communities and institutions like the Hakai Institute and Parks Canada.
Education:
- PhD in Anthropology (University of British Columbia)
- MA in Archaeology (Simon Fraser University)
- BA in Anthropology (University of California, Santa Cruz)
Dr. McKechnie's research focuses on coastal archaeology, zooarchaeology, and historical ecology, emphasizing the role of archaeological data in supporting Indigenous knowledge and marine conservation. His work investigates long-term sustainability in fisheries, Indigenous resource management, and the impacts of climate change on coastal ecosystems. He employs interdisciplinary methods, including ancient DNA analysis and geospatial modeling, to reconstruct historical ecological dynamics.
His publications reveal a consistent emphasis on Indigenous fisheries, marine historical ecology, and collaborative conservation. Recent articles explore topics ranging from ancient genomics of Coast Salish woolly dogs to paleothermometry in fisheries, highlighting trends in climate adaptation, biodiversity governance, and ethical research partnerships with Indigenous communities.
Grants and Collaborations:
McKechnie's research is supported by the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council (NSERC), Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), Mitacs, Parks Canada, the Hakai Institute, and the Canadian Foundation for Innovation. He works with multiple First Nations on heritage management and environmental policy.
He co-directs the HECA Lab, which engages graduate students in climate change and heritage projects, and the UVic Zooarchaeology Lab, housing over 2,980 animal skeletons for osteological research. Additionally, he holds affiliate positions at the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre and co-organizes international conferences like the International Council of Archaeozoology (ICAZ) 2027.
