The engagement of First Nations is a necessary part of archaeology, because it’s their history. We work with Indigenous communities in a number of ways. By interviewing Elders, conducting traditional knowledge studies and archival research, and visiting sites with First Nation members, we get a strong understanding of the history we are uncovering and develop mutually beneficial relationships.  

We meet with First Nation communities to discuss how your project might impact the way their members use the land. In these meetings, we show community members the maps, photos, and construction plans and gather information from them about how this project may impact them.

If this isn’t enough to allow them to fully understand the project’s anticipated impacts to traditional use areas, we arrange for them to visit and view the proposed development area. This allows them to identify areas of significance, giving you the information you need. We act as liaisons between you and the relevant nations to ensure this work is done while allowing your project to stay on schedule.

We are sensitive to cultural differences and work with people in a way that works for them. Consultation with communities is not one and done. For example, depending on the time of year, First Nation members may be busy and unable to make a consultation meeting. We keep going back until all parties have the necessary information.

A Mutually Beneficial Relationship with First Nations

Many of our clients are dedicated to helping our Indigenous brothers and sisters, and they require us to hire from the relevant First Nation communities when possible when working on their projects. Most archaeologists get the First Nation employees to screen all day, a job that’s fun and interesting for a little while, but no one wants to screen 8-10 hours a day for weeks on end.

That’s why we train our First Nation hires to do all aspects of archaeological studies and excavations. This gives interested people the skills to work in this field in the future and allows them to be involved in the management of western Canada’s heritage resources.

Cultivating this relationship with First Nation communities also gives us, the archaeologists, a better understanding of what we’re finding. After all, the best way to interpret what we find is to ask the people who own that heritage. 

 

Our goal is to create win/win/win experiences for all parties involved as we all move into a brighter future.

If your company prefers to handle preliminary consultation, we’ll use the information you gather to guide our work in the field.

To discuss how Ground Truth Archaeology & Heritage Services can help you achieve your goals, send us an email.