22nd October 2005, 11:16 PM
Each province in Canada has its own system in place although they are quite similar. New build sites, pipelines, forestry sites etc are surveyed by qualified archaeologists (ie. those with BA/BSc minimum) with those sites in danger of destruction being excavated. Archives are deposited with the provincial museum. I would guess the majority of sites are published due to the short excavation season (we don't excavate in the winter, with the ground being frozen and all). Staff spend the winter in the lab doing post-ex. Some units even encourage staff to write journal articles about the site!
Prior to excavation the unit has to obtain a permit to excavate from the provincial government. In Alberta the permit holder must have a relevant masters degree from a recognised univeristy.
I am sure there are some horror stories out there but from what I have heard from those who have been working in commercial archaeology things are pretty good. There are definately perks, such as decent food and lodging paid for on all away sites and a good salary.
I think a factor which has an influence on how sites are treated back home is that most sites are palaeo-indian/native sites. There is still a very large native population who are the direct descendants of the people who lived on the same land 500, 1000, 5000, even 15,000 years ago whereas England, which had been invaded by the Romans, then the Anglo-Saxons etc etc there is not so much of a direct link to the people and cultures that we excavate over here as there is in Canada. There is a long history of oral tradition within the native culture and archaeologists often work alongside the local natives bands and tribes (who are trying to preserve their unique culture), in an effort to help each other understand the archaeology, even on commerical sites.
I hope that makes sense. I'd be happy to clarify my rambling if need be [?]
dinos
Prior to excavation the unit has to obtain a permit to excavate from the provincial government. In Alberta the permit holder must have a relevant masters degree from a recognised univeristy.
I am sure there are some horror stories out there but from what I have heard from those who have been working in commercial archaeology things are pretty good. There are definately perks, such as decent food and lodging paid for on all away sites and a good salary.
I think a factor which has an influence on how sites are treated back home is that most sites are palaeo-indian/native sites. There is still a very large native population who are the direct descendants of the people who lived on the same land 500, 1000, 5000, even 15,000 years ago whereas England, which had been invaded by the Romans, then the Anglo-Saxons etc etc there is not so much of a direct link to the people and cultures that we excavate over here as there is in Canada. There is a long history of oral tradition within the native culture and archaeologists often work alongside the local natives bands and tribes (who are trying to preserve their unique culture), in an effort to help each other understand the archaeology, even on commerical sites.
I hope that makes sense. I'd be happy to clarify my rambling if need be [?]
dinos