Reconciliation

The Ontario Archaeological Society has undertaken a number of initiatives, many in partnership with Indigenous communities,  reflecting on and addressing archaeology's role in Truth and Reconciliation.

Indigenous Archaeological Monitor Training Workshops

Since 2017 the OAS has partnered with First Nations and other organizations to mount training sessions for Indigenous Archaeological Monitors. Numerous OAS members have generously volunteered time to share their knowledge about the people who lived on this part of Turtle Island. Training sessions in southern Ontario are usually about one week in length and are mainly in class sessions. Topics include: the Archaeology of Ontario; the legislative context of archaeology; Standards and Guidelines for archaeology in Ontario; regulations around burials and cemeteries; artifact types; bones of humans and animals; plants and archaeology; ethics and archaeology; health and safety; and the business of archaeology. The OAS works with First Nations to determine community-specific curriculum needs. We thank the following First Nations for entrusting us to mount these sessions: Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Chippewas of the Thames First Nation, Oneida of the Thames Nation, and Caldwell First Nation. We also thank the Museum of Ontario Archaeology for proving space for training. First Nations in southern Ontario interested in receiving training should contact president@ontarioarchaeology.org.

Training sessions in northern Ontario are generously supported by the Ontario Trillium Foundation and during 2019 and 2020 these are being held for First Nations in the Sudbury, Manitoulin, Cochrane and Algoma districts. These workshops are two weeks in length and usually involve a greater degree of hands-on activities. First Nations within this region that are interested in training should contact workshop@ontarioarchaeology.org.