Archaeology
Mandate
Southeast Brook Falls at Gros Morne National Park of Canada (N.L.)
© Parks Canada / Lynch, W. / 01.11.03.04(31) / 1992
Parks Canada ensures that archaeological resources are protected and
managed appropriately in accordance with its
mandate,
Cultural Resource Management Policy,
Guidelines for the Management of Archaeological Resources and management directives.
The Archaeological Resource Management section is a unit of the National
Historic Sites Directorate that provides national leadership and strategic
direction to Parks Canada’s archaeological function. The section also
maintains effective liaison with Parks Canada service centres to suport professional
standards and training needs; develops national operational policies, guidelines,
standards, information systems and operational tools to identify, protect,
manage and monitor Parks Canada’s terrestrial and underwater archaeological
resources; and provides scholarly research papers and expert advice on archaeological
and Aboriginal subjects to suport the Historical Sites and Monuments Board
of Canada.
Archaeologists, material culture researchers, collection managers and
conservators at the Atlantic, Quebec, Ontario, Western and Northern Service
Centres provide the functional expertise to help understand, protect, display
and manage the archaeological resources.
The management units are responsible for the planning and implementation
of activities related to the management of archaeological resources located
in Parks Canada heritage areas. The units can access the expert archaeological
advice available in the service centres as well as generous advice on policy
from the Archaeological Resource Management section.
Ensuring adequate management of archaeological resources consists mainly
of preventing or reducing the impact of anything that can affect the historical
value of archaeological sites and collections. Resources are subject to threats
from human activities, natural forces and even improper storage or display.
Through research, impact assessment, mitigation and monitoring as well as
increasing public awareness, Parks Canada can reduce the threats or their
adverse impacts on archaeological resources.