This project explores regional differences during the Shang dynasty (1600-1045BCE) in China by investigating cooking practices and cooking technology. Since cuisine is intimately connected to local culture, researching different approaches to cooking in the archaeological record can help us understand how different regions developed their own culinary traditions and identities even under the same political rulership. I explore this using three sites during the Shang dynasty – two from Northern China, Zhengzhou and Yinxu, and one in the south, Panlongcheng.

The proposed project undertakes a comparative study of existing regional archaeological data management systems and practices. Deconstructive analysis of each of these systems will preface a comparison of their component parts and identify relative absences and deficiencies. When reassembled, a theorizing of why these systems might be “missing pieces” can be undertaken recognizing their jurisdictional contexts. This research will then be applied in theorizing and eventually designing a centralized, multi-jurisdictional and remotely accessible model heritage research information platform.

This project will consider how impacts on Aboriginal and Treaty rights have been addressed in Environmental Impact Assessments and other regulatory processes in BC and Alberta. The impacts being assessed include destruction of areas important for hunting, fishing, trapping, or spiritual purposes, as well as prohibitions to accessing these and other types of important areas. This research will address a gap wherein the methods for determining such impacts are not always explicitly defined.

The Research Chair on Gambling was created at Concordia University in April 2012 (FRQ-SC 2012-2017), its first in Quebec. The Chair provides the research infrastructure on social inequities and lifestyles related to gambling, gaming, and internet use through research, training, and knowledge transfer to partners and collaborators.

The Musqueam Nation has lived in the territory encompassing Vancouver and surrounding areas for thousands of years. One of the largest ancient village and burial sites is c??sna?m. From relationships with neighboring First Nations to welcoming the first explorers, Musqueam has a rich history of intercultural engagement, including its connection to Chinese migrants from Southern China who operated market gardens at xwm??kw?y??m (Musqueam Indian Reserve 2) during the 20th century. This history remains unknown to Vancouverites and visitors to BC.

Sikkim has preserved quite unique cultural artifacts of Tibetan Buddhism, and among those the most renowned is the thangka paintings. Through this project I would attempt to understand the cultural phenomenon of thangka paintings, how it has transformed in recent times. Thangka paintings portray the cosmology of Tibetan Buddhism, and it has captured the popular imagination on thinking about Himalayan region in general. The art of making thangka has sacred qualities, it is made to express devotion to Buddha, and the artist is paid reverence for engaging in the noble art.