Rhy McMillan

Are the archaeological materials we find in their original context and condition?

Rhy McMillan (PhD, Geological Sciences) blends geochemistry and archaeology in his quest to create equitable partnerships with Indigenous communities and produce additional lines of archaeological evidence in collaboration with oral history and Indigenous science. As a multidisciplinary researcher, Rhy uses Western scientific techniques to investigate the sedimentary context of archaeological objects, their preservation states, their geochemical characteristics, and the degree to which they have been physically and chemically altered post-mortem and/or post-burial. He adapts and enhances traditional archaeological approaches by integrating sophisticated geochemical and spectroscopic techniques, providing robust and detailed information that can be used to interpret the source, identity, and movement of ancient humans and their belongings through space and time.