When I was little, I dreamed of being an archaeologist. I even learned to spell it before Spellcheck took over my writing. I pictured myself using that cute little brush to clean centuries of dirt off a long-lost golden necklace or a perfect pottery bowl. The idea of seeing something no human eyes had seen for centuries was magnetic. After a visit to Moundville, I was (and still am) especially intrigued with Native American ruins.

When I saw that November is Native American Heritage month, I thought what a perfect time to find out more about our local earliest inhabitants. We have a wealth of experts right here, like Mike Bunn and Gregory Waselkov, but I wanted to find out how an average person like me could be a part of discovering local artifacts, thinking it may not be too late to pursue my childhood dream.

I recalled fabulous teacher Traci Cunningham who retired in 2008 after attending an archaeology workshop where she got hooked. She has been digging and cleaning and cataloging with Greg ever since. So, I got in touch with her, "I have no formal training in archaeology, just seat of my pants, roll my sleeves up learning as I go. I'm still learning with each site I work on. This volunteering was just meant to be, I didn't pursue it, it just fell into my lap." Traci told me that she is excited every day to see what will be discovered by the team when they are on a project. I can only think of how much pure, hard, sweaty labor goes into her day.

I also remembered the reports of the discovery of the Indian Canal in Gulf Shores led by Harry King. I figured Traci was a part of that, and indeed she was. The find was featured in national publications, highlighting the importance of this ancient site- right here in our own backyards. Well, it is literally in one lady's personal backyard. Harry had spent years searching for the canal dug by natives in 566 AD running across the Fort Morgan Peninsula, when one day he was roaming around on private property and a lady came out to confront him for trespassing. After explaining his mission and introducing himself, the lady switched personalities. She said, "Well, Harry King, I owe you everything. When I couldn't afford utilities for my mobile home I bought from you, you made sure I got them. I will never forget that." So, she showed him where she thought the canal was located and sure enough – hit the sweet spot.

Traci Cunningham busy screening and sorting artifacts at a Mississippian Indian dig in Orange Beach.

Do you think experts came running in to excavate? Not on your life. It took Harry pushing and pushing to get professional interest in the project. Greg Waselkov, USA anthropologist, told Smithsonian reporters it took him a while to go take a look, figuring it was probably a more recent log ditch. Traci was more positive, having remembered old folks talking about a sign that was once on Fort Morgan Road. At her encouragement, Greg sent Bonnie Gums and Traci to meet Harry and see what he thought was a 1,400+ year old canal. When they saw the place, they couldn't report back to Greg fast enough. The professor set up camp in 2017 to find out if it was a ditch built by the Middle Woodlands Indians who had a village nearby.

Most excavation was done by volunteers, and of course, my friend Traci was among those who spent months clearing and digging. Two cross sections of the man-made ditch revealed that the three-foot-deep canal was about 30 feet wide and stretched almost a mile. This structure was an incredible engineering project demonstrating the expertise and intelligence of the builders. Experts confirm that this project was a community effort to improve trade routes and pays tribute to the sophistication of the earliest human inhabitants in our area.

Harry King's determination led to the significant discovery of the Indian trade canal dug in 566 AD.

When I asked Harry about its location, he said, "It is on private property and you have to watch every step. You know those cotton mouth water moccasins will stand their ground rather than run from you."

I guess that's what changed my career goal way back when I was young, and now has confirmed that dig sites are not for me. The travails these scientists endure are more than I can handle, but I sure am thankful there are people for whom it "floats their boats – or canoes." I still love to dig, but only to plant a bush.

For those who think they may be interested in participating in a dig, Traci said, "Volunteer archaeology isn't for everyone, and I've seen many come and go. You have to be willing to get sweaty, dirty, and eaten up by mosquitoes. It's an honor to be the dirtiest one at the end of the day, of which I hold the title. I've loved it for over 25 years. I've made some long-lasting friendships, traveled to amazing places, and met some interesting people. Finding out about the next adventure still gets me excited."

Volunteers dug two cross sections at the site of the 1500 year old Middle Woodland Indian trade canal.

The canal builders' effort, Harry's persistence, and Traci's enthusiasm remind us that the average citizen can make all the difference. Especially at this time of year we need to remember that it took a village to dig the canal with primitive tools, but they did it. It takes a village to uncover a village – or a grave – or a ditch, and they do it every day in all kinds of conditions.

Pay a visit to Harry King's website www.indiancanal.com or visit the Archelogy Museum on USA campus. For more information on local archaeology check www.southalabama.edu/org/archaeology/.

Photos provided courtesy of Harriet Outlaw.

The privately owned remains of the Indian Canal are hidden beneath the swampy terrain.