Enhanced Archaeological Assessment
An Enhanced Archaeological Assessment (EAA) is a process that combines a Heritage Resource Impact Assessment and Traditional Land Use Study, it is used by White Spruce Archaeology Inc. (WSA) to assist First Nations and Resource developers (ex. Mining Companies) prior to mineral exploration.
WSA Resource Developers BrochureThe EAA identifies archaeological potential (archaeological sites) and First Nation cultural values so that both parties can make informed land decisions. This process has been used since 2018 and has been vetted through the Historic Resources Branch of the Provincial government. Using these two bodies of knowledge, WSA conducts an analysis to identify locations that have archaeological potential or cultural values. WSA works with First Nations to evaluate the cultural heritage potential of a specified area to help ensure that sensitive and/or important sites are managed appropriately in response to proposed development. The process can be broken down into 3 steps.
Step 1. Collect Local Knowledge (Traditional Land Use Study)
- Identify pre-existing sources of community TLU data and review knowledge gaps.
- Conduct map biography / community interviews, Elders, Youth, resource harvesters
- GIS mapping of the cultural values
Step 2. Conduct an Archaeological Assessment (desktop analysis)
- Review existing literature, archaeological, geographic, and historical information for the property and the relevant surrounding area.
- GIS mapping of archaeological potential – Create a map showing areas where there could be archaeological sites.
Step 3. Analysis and Report
- Using the gathered information, WSA creates maps of the combined sources of information to identify areas that have cultural values or archaeological potential. In conjunction with the First Nation community, recommendations are made for areas of archaeological potential and cultural values.
