Call before you dig: Why Canada’s energy firms are increasingly calling on archaeologists – Financial Post
Grant Aylesworth recognizes that many people think archaeology involves khaki-clad researchers digging up museum-bound artifacts in exotic locales.
That happens, but in Canada a growing number of professional archaeologists such as Mr. Aylesworth are actually consulting for natural resource companies on their Canadian projects. Recent Supreme Court of Canada rulings underscore the need for energy and other resource companies to ensure their projects will not interfere with aboriginal title or treaty rights. Studying a project site for its archaeological or cultural significance is now part of the regular permitting process.
“One of the things that struck me was the growing importance of archaeology in terms of land and resource claims,” said Mr. Aylesworth, who runs New Brunswick-based Squareforks Consulting Inc.
“It presents itself as a career opportunity for someone trained in archaeology because there’s quite a lot of demand for archaeological research and field work under environmental assessments.”
