Archaeological sites on provincial and private lands are protected in BC under the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA). Each site is unique and provides information on the cultural adaptations people made to their natural, social, and non-physical environments. Many provide a tangible link between today’s First Nations, their ancestral groups, and the landscape. Once disturbed or destroyed, sites cannot be replaced.
When a developer proposes a project, government agencies or First Nations (for on-reserve lands) may direct them to work with a professional archaeologist before the project is approved for construction. Initiating archaeological review of a proposed project early in its planning stages means that avoidance or mitigation strategies can be designed before impacts to archaeological sites have occurred. Taking a proactive approach reduces frustration and cost while protecting a non-renewable resource.
An archaeological overview assessment (AOA) is frequently the first step in this process.
The AOA is a tool to define the archaeological potential (e.g., areas with high, moderate, and/or low expectations for sites) of a project area as well determine the presence and nature of documented archaeological sites. It is conducted following provincial guidelines and standards but does not involve an HCA permit. The first step typically includes reviewing the Remote Access to Archaeological Data (RAAD) system, an on-line database of archaeological information maintained by the provincial Archaeology Branch. The archaeologist will then examine the reports associated with the RAAD results, as well as other archaeological, ethnographic, historical, environmental, and terrain data. In this way, the archaeologist gains an understanding of details or gaps in information relevant to the proposed project area and generates expectations for what archaeological resources may be found.
The archaeologist will contact First Nations whose territories overlap with the project area to notify them about the proposed project and associated AOA. This provides an opportunity for First Nations to contribute unpublished traditional, cultural and/or archaeological knowledge that may not be otherwise available for review. This notification and information sharing process is a means for the archaeological community to maintain respectful relationships and participate in First Nations heritage policies.
When it is not possible to delineate a project area’s archaeological potential during the background review, the archaeologist conducts a direct-observation, preliminary field reconnaissance (PFR) as part of the AOA. The PFR is also conducted to provincial standards and guidelines. It is standard practice for First Nations members to participate in the PFR, which provides cultural knowledge and land use interpretation to improve AOA results. Documented sites within the project area are visited to verify or refine what has been previously recorded. In addition, surface artifacts or features may be observed at newly-identified archaeological sites, increasing knowledge of the project area. However, artifacts are not collected nor is any digging conducted during the PFR.
At the conclusion of an AOA, the archaeologist prepares a report for the proponent. It will include a map that outlines the identified areas of potential and the locations of any archeological sites. The archaeologist assesses the anticipated project impacts in light of the desktop and/or PFR results. Recommendations are then provided for further archaeological work if project activities cannot avoid identified areas of concern. Generally, the earlier in a project schedule that archaeological assessment is conducted, the easier it is to adjust the project to avoid areas of concern. The report is provided to the project proponent, identified First Nations and, as necessary, to regulatory agencies.
