This session seeks papers that engage with how archaeological knowledge is produced, validated, and disseminated, in the past, present, and future. Knowledge is produced through the practice of archaeology, but in an era where digital mediums are increasingly an important way through which archaeological knowledge is disseminated, the established process for validating knowledge derived from practice may be inadequate. The ways in which knowledge is validated within the discipline are entwined with how authority is bestowed upon practitioners of archaeology. Challenges to the authority of archaeologists as well as to how authority is bestowed within the discipline are not new. Whether the challenges are associated with pseudo-archaeologies or through critiques of the presumed authority of archaeologists by indigenous groups, the discipline could be understood as increasingly struggling to remain relevant and to retain authority. In light of these observations, this session also seeks papers that provide insight into broader questions surrounding best practice and approaches to the production, validation, and dissemination of archaeological knowledge.

The Boreal Forest is an ecozone occurring across extensive areas of Canada, including most of Ontario. Recently, more archaeological endeavours have been occurring in this province given the related increase in Indigenous heritage projects, mining, forestry, road building, and hydroelectric initiatives. The Boreal Forest is a logistically challenging place to survey because of dense vegetation, minimal mapping information, limited roads, as well as complex archaeological preservation issues. However, it also provides new information from almost every investigation, making it an inspiring place to work.

This session provides opportunities for dialogues relating to Boreal Forest archaeology issues in Ontario and adjacent areas. We welcome presentations or posters about research or cultural resource management contexts and from particular sites or regional overviews. Involvement from Indigenous communities or individuals is also encouraged.

This session seeks papers from a variety of perspectives engaging with the incorporation of oral histories within archaeological narratives. The session takes a broad view of what might be considered oral history and not only considers those produced in collaboration with indigenous and descendant communities but also interviews with excavators and other archaeological stakeholders. The session welcomes papers that demonstrate the value of incorporating oral histories as well as those that provide insight into best practice, new approaches, and future challenges.

A pre-contact stone knife was recovered during archaeological excavations carried out in 2019 for the Centre Block Rehabilitation project, on Parliament Hill. This archaeological discovery aroused keen interest on the part of Public Service and Procurement Canada, the Algonquins of Pikwàkanagàn First Nation and the Kitiigan Zibi Anishinabeg, fostering a new partnership between the Parliamentary Precinct Branch of the department and these two Anishinabe Algonquin communities. Among the initiatives flowing from this partnership are an Indigenous Archaeological Field School proposed by PSPC and to be operated by the two communities in the Capital region and expanded emphasis on telling the Anishinabe Algonquin story on interpretive panels surrounding the Centre Block construction work. The implications of these and other initiatives for the more direct and active Anishinabe Algonquin stewardship of archaeological resources in the region are discussed in this roundtable.

The acceleration of coastal erosion is a complex phenomenon that is challenging for the preservation of cultural heritage in Canada. The issue is not only serious in Atlantic, Pacific, and Arctic sea coasts but also inland along the waterways of Central Canada in Ontario and Quebec. This global problem needs to be addressed at all levels: the government, institutions, and local organizations. Therefore, in collaboration with partners, the Canadian Museum of History is exploring means to develop a pan-Canadian erosion program to address this issue. In this session we encourage you to share your data, concerns, methods, efforts to develop awareness, potential solutions, and strategies. This session is not only addressed to archaeologists, but also seeks contributions from anyone who wants to share with archaeologists their concerns on those questions such representative of indigenous communities or local organizations promoting the preservation of heritage. It is part of a strategy to develop a network of contacts across Ontario and Quebec.

The National Capital Commission launched the Assessment and Rescue of Archaeological Legacy (ARAL) project in 2018, in response to the ongoing erosion of archaeological sites in the Capital region. First noted in the literature at the end of the 1800s and in numerous archaeological research reports on Leamy Lake Park between 1993 and 2003, the erosion of archaeological sites along the shorelines of the Ottawa River in the region accelerated considerably following the catastrophic spring flood of 2017. A long-term project, ARAL’s initial fieldwork focused on re-documenting 20 known archaeological sites along an 11-km stretch of the Ottawa River, recording 4 new sites in the process. The fieldwork undertaken in 2019 and 2020 concentrated on the intensive surface-collecting of artifacts, mainly at the 8 most seriously eroding pre-contact sites in Leamy Lake Park. These collections, totalling roughly 50,000 artifacts , were recorded as GPS waypoints and have been applied to the development of a GIS-based strategy for determining optimal locations for specific rescue excavations. The ARAL project’s results to date, its future directions and challenges are described in this session.

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.