Archaeology - Cultural Places Program
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| Fort Simpson archaeological investigation. Photo: GNWT |
The Archaeology Program promotes the conservation and appropriate investigation and interpretation of archaeological sites in the Northwest Territories. It achieves these goals by participating in regulatory processes which control land use activities that threaten archaeological sites, by regulating archaeological investigations, and by undertaking archaeological research to advance the techniques of archaeology, to extend knowledge of the archaeological resources of the Northwest Territories, and to extend our understanding of the past.
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General Public
Currently there are over 5000 known archaeological sites in the NWT, though we estimate that this represents only a small portion of the total number of sites that exist. Consequently, when viewing a map of archaeological sites it is important to remember that the pattern and density of "known" sites is more likely to reflect where archaeologists have undertaken research than it does the actual distribution of sites. Where there are no "known" sites shown, this indicates that archaeological research has yet to be undertaken in that area. In areas where archeological research is lacking local knowledge is always a valuable source of heritage information.
View a map of the density of known archaeological sites in the NWT (jpg)
Changes to the NWT Archaeological Site Regulations came into force on June 15th 2001. The link below provides a PDF version of the new regulations.
Summary of Legislation related to Archaeology
Each year archaeologists undertake research in various parts of the NWT. This link contains reports and photographs from archaeological research projects undertaken since 1996.
Archaeological Fieldwork in the NWT
Archaeological research can be carried out only by professional archaeologists. However, sometimes archaeological sites are discovered during the course of other activities. By reporting these finds you will help ensure that the heritage resources of the NWT are properly documented and protected. What should you do if you find an archaeological site during the course of your work? The PDF link below provides guidelines for reporting archaeological discoveries.
Reporting the Discovery of Archaeological Sites in the NWT (PDF)
The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre manages heritage resources throughout the Northwest Territories on behalf of both the territorial and federal governments. Archaeological sites are protected by law, and as such are subject of land use review whenever a development project is proposed anywhere in the NWT. Below is a link to a document that describe this process. “Guidelines for Developers” provides information pertinent to supporting archaeological research within the context of development and land use review.
Developers
Guidelines for Developers (PDF)
Archaeological site data may be made available to developers conducting projects in the NWT, or to archeologists undertaking research within the NWT. Archaeological sites, and access to information about them, are protected by legislation in the Northwest Territories, and the Government of the Northwest Territories reserves the right to withhold the provision of any archaeological site information requested, in accordance with the discretionary powers provided for in section 19 of the Access to Information and Protection of Privacy Act, 1994. In order to submit a request for access to archaeological site information please download the PDF file "Licence Agreement", and follow the instructions. Please remember that only a small fraction of the NWT’s archaeological sites have been recorded. In areas where archaeological information is missing or lacking, local knowledge can provide a valuable source of information about heritage or cultural places.
A Brief History of the Archaeological Sites Database (PDF)
Archaeologists planning to conduct research in the NWT will require a valid NWT Archaeologists Permit. Applications must be submitted by March 31 of the calendar year in which the research is to take place. An application form, guidelines for permit holders, and information for applicants are available as PDF files.
Archaeologists
Guidelines for Archaeologist Permit Holders (PDF)
Editable Application Form (Rich Text Format)
Information for Applicants (PDF)
The use of GPS receivers for recording archaeological site coordinates has increased significantly in the last few years. The use of different coordinate systems has resulted in land use conflicts impacting archaeological sites. The GPS use guidelines below are now a requirement as part of holding a NWT Archaeologists Permit:
Guidelines for Recording Archaeological Sites with GPS units (PDF)
In addition to the paper copies required by regulation, the PWNHC now requires submission of Final Permit Reports in electronic form. Adobe's Portable Document Format (PDF) will be the only accepted format for electronic report submission.
Guidelines for Submitting NWT Archaeological Permit Reports as PDF Files (PDF)
An electronic site reporting form template is also available. Please use this format when reporting sites to the Sites Registrar at the CMC.
Report Form Template (Rich Text Format)
If you, or others in your party are planning research in other disciplines (anthropology, oral history research, geology etc.) you will require a NWT Scientist's Licence. Please consult the Aurora Research Institute website at www.nwtresearch.com.
Canada uses the Borden System for providing unique identifiers for archaeological sites, and is one of the few countries in the world to use a national system. Developed in 1952 by archaeologist Charles Borden, a "Borden number" uses a system of upper and lower case letters to divide Canada into discrete units based on latitude and longitude. The link below allows you to download a map showing the 'Upper' Borden units for the NWT.
Map of 'Upper' Borden Units (GIF/903kb, 15" x 20")
(right-click and choose 'Save Link As...' to download)
Cathie Harper of the NWT Centre for Remote Sensing, GNWT has created ArcView shapefiles of the Borden grid. A zipped file of the data, including metadata, can be downloaded from the following link. Please ensure that the data is credited to: "NWT Centre for Remote Sensing, GNWT based on Borden, 1952".
Borden Grid (.zip file, right-click and choose "Save Link As...")
Download the NEW Conservation Manual (PDF)
As a condition for receiving an Archaeologist Class 2 Permit from the Government of the Northwest Territories archaeologists must show that they will provide adequately for the conservation of the excavated artifacts and samples. This manual provides basic information on conservation to northern archaeologists, stressing aspects of preventive conservation that will ensure the safety and preservation of excavated objects.
If you have any questions or comments please e-mail us.
