Roundtable Abstracts

2021 Partnership for Maritime Archaeology in Canada: Ontario Region Virtual Roundtable

Organizers: Kimberly Monk and Lisa Sonnenburg

This roundtable is one of a series of connection events being held across the country to address the need for a cohesive structure for maritime archaeology. The practice of maritime archaeology - inclusive of submerged, coastal, and terrestrial marine-related sites – is fragmented in Canada, affected by limitations in funding, training opportunities, commercial development, and government regulation. By providing a forum for professionals and other stakeholders to discuss key issues, and through the process of formalizing local networks, we are addressing both national initiatives and regional priorities. Furthermore, with opening the discussion to the public, we wish to encourage their cooperation, share our collective knowledge, and remain transparent in our aims and objectives.

Building on from our first (2020) OAS roundtable, this event will provide further opportunity for cooperation, dissemination, and discussion on key concerns relating to the practice of maritime archaeology in Ontario. The roundtable will be structured into three parts. The first session will provide a forum for updates and Q&A on regional activities relating to three of our key areas: consulting, indigenous, and sport divers. It will also summarize efforts with our national partners and regional leads in British Columbia, Quebec, and Newfoundland. Our second session will showcase 8 x 5-minute rapid talks by panelists, discussing current work, research, and related initiatives. The final session will provide a forum for group discussion, honing strategies for the working groups and establishing next steps.