Engineering Firms

We Specialize in Heritage Resource Impact Assessments (HRIA)

• Water Management Projects • Subdivisions • Road Realignments • Shore Stabilization Projects • Any project that will impact land

WSA Engineering Firms Brochure

Based on preliminary information gathering and fieldwork, when required, WSA reviews and summarizes what is known about the archaeology, history and prehistory of the study area and proposes recommendations to either clear the area of archaeological concern, or if this is not possible, WSA will work with the proponent to develop a strategy for long-term protection of impacted archaeological sites. If protection of archaeological resources is not a viable option due to project design, WSA would conduct an archaeological excavation to document and recover artifacts prior to construction. WSA adheres to provincial guidelines (province specific) regarding the excavation and processing of artifacts.

White Spruce Archaeology Inc. acknowledges and actively participates in the implementation and recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action, specifically those related to Section 92 which calls for Canada’s corporate sector to adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources.

Section 92. We call upon the corporate sector in Canada to Adopt the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples as a reconciliation framework and to apply its principles, norms, and standards to corporate policy and core operational activities involving Indigenous peoples and their lands and resources. This would include, but not be limited to, the following:

  • Commit to meaningful consultation, building respectful relationships, and obtaining the free, prior, and informed consent of Indigenous peoples before proceeding with economic development projects
  • Ensure that Aboriginal peoples have equitable access to jobs, training, and education opportunities in the corporate sector, and that Aboriginal communities gain long-term sustainable benefits from economic development projects.
  • Provide education for management and staff on the history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism (http://nctr.ca/assets/reports/Calls_to_Action_English2.pdf).

WSA is trained and experienced at conducting Traditional Land Use studies for First Nation communities in Manitoba and Ontario, for large and small-scale infrastructure projects in Ontario and Manitoba. The results of these studies have been used for use in decision-making for infrastructure routing projects, for land management and have been used in legal proceedings.