Saskatchewan has a rich archaeological heritage and evidence of this is often found by the public during daily activities. It is common that artifacts and archaeological sites are found during a walk or hike.
To learn more about types of archaeological sites found in Saskatchewan, please consult our Guide to Saskatchewan Archaeology.
This can be done with a GPS, marking it on a map, or writing down directions and a description of the location.
The purpose of recording the location is so that an archaeologist can find the site in the future. When describing the location, use cardinal directions, specific units of measurements, and permanent landmarks as reference points.
| Poor Description | Good Description |
| The site is located 25 paces from the fence posts, beside the canola field near Preeceville, SK. | The site is located 15 metres south of the fence posts that run East-West along Mr. McDonald’s farm (include legal land description) near Preeceville, SK. |
Make sure the images are clear and in good lighting. Consider taking photos from multiple angles as well. If you can add a scale (i.e., measuring tape, ruler, etc.) next to the site, it helps with identifying the scale/size of the features.
Contact the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society (located in Saskatoon) or the Heritage Conservation Branch (located in Regina) to help with recording site locations or to determine if you have found an archaeological site.
The SAS does provide site identification and recording services for a fee (based on location, availability, etc.). Please fill out our Resource Request Form for more information on this.
The information you have recorded will be used to create a Saskatchewan Archaeological Resource Record (SARR) so that site can be documented which aids in its protection/preservation.
These types of archaeological sites are concerned with cultural worldviews and belief systems and may include rock alignments (i.e., effigies, medicine wheels, etc.), rock carvings/paintings, and burials. They are often sacred places and may still be in use. Please contact the Heritage Conservation Branch if you believe you have encountered a site of this type.
Pictographs (rock paintings) and petroglyphs (rock carvings) – do not touch them with your hands or any other instruments. This includes touching them with chalk, crayons, etc. to “enhance” their appearance for photography; brushing, scraping or otherwise removing lichen or algae growths or splashing/spraying water on them. All of these practices can cause further deterioration and are harmful to these type of sites.
Rock alignments (effigies, medicine wheels, cairns, stone circles, mounds) – leave all the rocks in place. Try to limit movement so as not to dislodge or remove any of the stones. Scientists use both the rock makeup and plant growth in/around these sites to help determine age and function of the alignment.
Burials – if you encounter what you believe to be human remains, please contact your local police detachment.