Archaeology is the study of past
human culture through the recovery and analysis of material remains. In Alberta, much of this evidence includes
stone features, standing structures and campsites, from which we recover
artifacts such as stone tools and debitage (the flakes resulting from creating
or maintaining stone tools), fire-broken rock, faunal material (bones) and
historic period artifacts (i.e., glass bottles, old nails, your grandmother’s
china).
These sites are protected by the Historical Resources Act, which is legislated by the Historic Resources Management Branch of Alberta Culture and Community Services (ACCS).
The Archaeological Survey administers the Archaeological Permit Management System that regulates archaeological projects in Alberta and maintains records of archaeological sites in Alberta. Archaeologists within the section evaluate these sites and take measures to ensure their protection and proper investigation through Historic Resources Impact Assessments. They also assess the significance of sites under consideration for designation as Provincial Historic Resources and work with communities to protect sites considered to be significant. (From ACCS)
If one encounters historic resources, it must be reported to ACCS. This can be done by contacting them directly, or contacting a professional archaeologist who can record the appropriate information on an Archaeological Site Form.
Many landowners have arrowheads and other stone tools in their personal collection, recovered over the years on their land. These finds should also be reported to ACCS, who will allow said landowners to keep their artifacts, as custodians of historic resources.
If you find buried bones or other artifacts, don’t dig it up. Contact a professional archaeologist.
These sites are protected by the Historical Resources Act, which is legislated by the Historic Resources Management Branch of Alberta Culture and Community Services (ACCS).
The Archaeological Survey administers the Archaeological Permit Management System that regulates archaeological projects in Alberta and maintains records of archaeological sites in Alberta. Archaeologists within the section evaluate these sites and take measures to ensure their protection and proper investigation through Historic Resources Impact Assessments. They also assess the significance of sites under consideration for designation as Provincial Historic Resources and work with communities to protect sites considered to be significant. (From ACCS)
If one encounters historic resources, it must be reported to ACCS. This can be done by contacting them directly, or contacting a professional archaeologist who can record the appropriate information on an Archaeological Site Form.
Many landowners have arrowheads and other stone tools in their personal collection, recovered over the years on their land. These finds should also be reported to ACCS, who will allow said landowners to keep their artifacts, as custodians of historic resources.
If you find buried bones or other artifacts, don’t dig it up. Contact a professional archaeologist.