Archaeology Essentials

People have lived in Saskatchewan since time immemorial, leaving the province richly endowed with both precontact (that is, pre-1690 A.D.) and historical (contact) archaeological heritage. At present, the Saskatchewan Heritage Conservation Branch, the government agency which has responsibility for managing the archaeological heritage of Saskatchewan and for maintaining the official archaeological site files, has approximately 25,000 sites on record.

The Heritage Conservation Branch (of the Ministry of Parks, Culture and Sport) staff review archaeological work in the province and issue permits for surveys, field reconnaissance, and excavation. One type of permit that they issue is called the Type B or Avocational Archaeologist Permit. These permits are issued to non-professionals who are interested in reporting, recording, and protecting sites. For more information on these permits and to download their forms click on Avocational Archaeology Permits.

Archaeological heritage is protected under a provincial Act that was passed in 1980. To review the Saskatchewan Heritage Property Act Continue .