ALASKA—There are some people who go through life positively effecting every other life they touch. They may not be famous in the traditional sense, but to the people who exist in their orbit, they are life-changers. Tongass National Forest archaeologist Jane Smith is one such person.

Smith’s productive ability to find and record archaeology sites has expanded knowledge of southeast Alaska’s cultural past. Smith has surveyed thousands of acres and identified hundreds of cultural resources since she began working on the Tongass in the early 1990s.

She is treasured by many because she shares her knowledge and uses her discovered information to assist others. Silviculturist Ben Case says of Smith, “What’s not obvious from the outside is how valuable she has been with her willingness to share the wealth of knowledge she has gained over the past 30 years.”

Former archaeologist Myra Gilliam recalls arriving for her first archaeology job with the Forest Service. Gilliam reminisced about landing in an empty small room in Admiralty National Monument in a position that had been vacant for a decade. She admitted being totally unfamiliar with the area.

“Jane to the rescue! She had unbridled enthusiasm about recording fish traps, shell middens, rock art, village sites and house pits, consulting with tribes and native corporations, and getting material radiocarbon-dated,” said Gilliam. “She is incredibly experienced, and actually reached out to me and offered to help!”

Throughout her career on the Tongass, Smith has continually engaged with tribal communities on a personal level. This willingness to go beyond often makes potentially challenging situations simple due to the level of trust Smith has fostered.

Fellow archaeologist Rachel Myron says, “Jane embodies the heart and soul of a dedicated Forest Service archaeologist by developing trust with other employees, the community, partners, and importantly, with federally recognized tribes in the Petersburg and Wrangell area.”

Year after year, Jane’s inclusivity helps increase her coworkers’ morale. “I’m always happy to have a day in the field with Jane,” coworker Dee Galla ardently declared. “The sense of discovery and the awe that stories behind the artifacts inspire are due to Jane’s love for telling the story.”

When it comes down to it, most who know Smith share how she is an immeasurable benefit to the Alaska Region and beyond. Coworker Joni Johnston summed it up thusly, “It’s kind of funny but being asked to say something about Jane is a small honor. She is just that special.”