Eve Nimmo to join Anthropology

Meet Eve Nimmo – the newest Department member!

Could you tell us a little bit about your professional background, and what you’ve enjoyed the most about your career so far?

I am an historical archaeologist with a very diverse and multi-disciplinary career so far. I have worked in Brazil, Ecuador, Canada, and the UK, in museums, NGOs, and universities. What I have enjoyed most is working collaboratively, building relationships with communities and supporting grass-roots and locally-led efforts to value cultural and environmental heritage.
What inspired you to enter this field?
When I was 17, I went to Egypt with my mom (my first overseas trip!) which was a very formative experience for me personally. It really opened my eyes to the world. I didn’t go directly into Archaeology in my undergrad, it took me a few years to find my way. But once I did, I fell in love.

Tell us about your research?

My research has many facets and crosses many interconnected themes. I think it is important to take an interdisciplinary approach to cultural heritage, integrating aspects of public history, community-based research, oral histories, memory, and material culture studies. Part of my research focuses on museum collections as assemblages, exploring the life histories of collections across times and spaces, and considering how collections are always in dialogue with contemporary society. Another line of research considers how traditional knowledge and practice, as well as memory and narrative, are key elements of developing cultural and environmental heritage conservation programs, policies, and strategies. In this work, I focus on helping to build community-based approaches and networks of knowledge to support local communities in sharing knowledge about heritage, culture, and sustainable practices that ensure the continuation of traditional knowledge and cultural systems as well as natural ecosystems.

Tell us about your teaching?

One of the most important aspects of teaching in archaeology is practical, hands-on experience! As an undergraduate student, I was hooked on archaeology the first time I picked up a trowel and started digging at the Penetanguishene Historical Archaeology Field School run by Dr. John Triggs at Wilfrid Laurier University. I try to create a learning environment that supports knowledge sharing and values the different ways of knowing and engaging with archaeological material and methods. This can help to break down the barriers between academic research and communities by valuing the perspectives students and community members have of their own histories and traditional knowledge and supporting the co-creation of knowledge.

What are your impressions of Edmonton/the University of Alberta so far?

I am very excited to be joining the University of Alberta! I am new to Edmonton, so I am looking forward to getting to know the city, experiencing all the festivals and the river valley, and exploring all the natural beauty in the region. So far so good, but ask me again in the winter!

What are your hobbies, or things you like to do outside of work?

I love to hike and camp, so I am very much looking forward to exploring the Rockies.

Welcome Eve to Anthropology!