Integrating archaeology and Indigenous partnerships in trail planning
Webinar Summary
The key takeaway from the ORCBC’s November webinar is that Archaeological surveys are an opportunity to create meaningful relationships and more meaningful recreational infrastructure.
On November 25, the Outdoor Recreation Council of BC and Cabin, an outdoor recreation planning and construction company, hosted a webinar on integrating archaeology and Indigenous partnerships into trail planning. The four speakers touched on the legal requirements of archaeological survey work but mostly focused on the opportunities it creates to build relationships with First Nations, which ultimately lead to more meaningful recreation outcomes.
Watch the recording here and download the slides and takeaway notes here.
The speakers:
Linden Priest: Recreation Planning Lead, Cabin Operations, LPriest@cabinworks.ca
Mike Elvidge: Heritage Division Manager, Cabin Resource Management, melvidge@cabinworks.ca
Thomas Schoen: CEO, First Journey Consulting Ltd, tom@firstjourneytrails.com
Tom Eustache: Public Works Manager, Simpcw First Nation
Key takeaways:
The value of conducting archaeological studies lies not in the legal requirement but in the potential for reciprocal benefits, especially relationship-building and creating something meaningful with the communities involved.
What else to know:
Archeological sites are governed by the Heritage Conservation Act (HCA)
Indigenous rights to artifacts and decision-making about them are part of DRIPA
Archeological sites and artifacts are protected whether or not they are designated or even known
Covers objects older than 1846, but also anything of heritage value
Legal consequences for altering them
HCA is under review by the provincial government
Types of archaeology surveys:
In B.C., there are three types, and the right one depends on the context and location. (see more details in handouts)
Archaeological Overview Analysis - background research
Preliminary Field Reconnaissance - on the ground research
Archaeological Impact Assessment - inclusive and involved study - expensive
AOA and PFR most common with recreation projects
Benefits of archaeological surveys:
Smoother permitting
Expectation from permitting agencies to consult with First Nations before beginning projects, especially if might encounter archaeological artifacts.
Lower risk to projects being stopped or altered
More valuable recreation experience
Opportunity to share culture and stories
Where to start:
The best approach is a formal one through the Nation(s), but informal relationship building is also valuable and sometimes the only option. (See Guidance Toolkit for Engagement with Indigenous Communities).
Formal: Contact Nation directly. There are several resources to help figure out Nations with an interest in your area:
iMapBC - provincial resource
Nations Connect - best for southern interior Nations
Sto:lo Connect - direct referral process for Nations in Fraser Valley
Informal: make connections anywhere you can
Go for walk with an elder or hunter
Write congratulatory letters
Attend Nation events
Invite them to club events
Offer to help them and their community - what can you do for them?
Things to keep in mind:
Best practice to consult before beginning project and planning
Start early - often a long lead time, can be slow
Be open to making changes to your recreation plan
Thanks to the Real Estate Foundation of BC
We want to give a big thank you to the Real Estate Foundation of BC for supporting this webinar.
The Real Estate Foundation of BC funds projects, builds relationships, and shares knowledge to advance sustainable, equitable, and socially just land use and real estate practices across BC. REFBC is committed to supporting reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples and working in partnership with First Nations. In November, they published their inaugural Transformative Actions for UNDRIP Advancement progress report. Learn about how they are doing grantmaking, operations, and governance differently at REFBC.ca/TAUA.
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