Developing dialogue: A developer, First Nation band member, and archaeologist discuss the role of meaningful consultation in CRM

Summary

As stated in the SAA’s Principles of Archaeological Ethics, "Responsible archaeological research [requires a commitment to] consult actively with affected group(s), with the goal of establishing a working relationship that can be beneficial to all parties involved". In the context of professional consulting archaeology, meaningful consultation with descendant communities is often held as a primary goal. However, CRM archaeologists are faced developers’ timelines and budgets, which can preclude anything more than superficial consultation. In British Columbia, consultation with First Nations is mandated by the Province, and most developers see liaison and communication with First Nations as a necessary step. Unfortunately, First Nations involvement in projects rarely exceeds the opportunity to employ local field assistants and for First Nations governments to comment on findings. Rarely are design plans developed in conjunction with and in true collaboration with First Nations. This paper, presented by a Vancouver-based residential developer; a member of the First Nation most affected by development; and the archaeological firm contracted for the development, offers a new model for truly collaborative consulting archaeology. True and meaningful inclusion of descendant communities in development and design plans is more than routine "consultation"; we argue that it is good business practice.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 82nd Annual Meeting, Vancouver, BC (2017)

Keywords

Spatial Coverage

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 16298