A look at Canada's longest-running archaeological dig site

Archaeologists first began workat theWanuskewin Heritage Park north of Saskatoon in 1982.

The site represents the longest continuously running dig of its kind in Canada.

Monday, a group of 12students fromthe University of Saskatchewan became the latest in a long line of explorers to learn about the area that was inhabited more than 500 years ago.

Ernie Walker, an archaeology professor at the U of S, saidthat an ancient encampment existsbeneath the surface.

"It's totally intact," Walker said.

He added that the current group is looking at the ninth out of 19 such locations.

Devon Hackett, a fourth-year student involved in the project, saidthe experience isthrilling.

"It's kind of like Christmas," Hackett said. "Personally, I found a few things,some bone fragments. So I'm really excited about that and trying to see if I can find some moreChristmas presents under that tree."

The group of students are set to dig at the Wanuskewin site for the next five weeks.