About the CAA

Principles of Ethical Conduct

Preamble

The Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) is committed to the promotion, protection, and conservation of archaeological heritage in Canada, as well as the advancement and dissemination of archaeological knowledge. The CAA and its members recognize the diverse interests, voices, and perspectives that inform archaeological interpretation, knowledge building, and the dissemination of information. In this document we respect and encourage the use of terminology as determined appropriate by the Indigenous community or communities. The archaeological record in Canada is predominantly that of Indigenous peoples. In this document, the term Indigenous peoples is used in reference to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit as recognized in s. 35 of the Canadian Constitution. We acknowledge the depth and breadth of the archaeological record and its far-reaching significance for Indigenous peoples and descendant populations. Accordingly, members of the CAA will conduct their activities according to the ethics and standards of scholarly practice, with a commitment to safety and non-discrimination, and will recognize the interests of those who may be socially, spiritually, or materially impacted by their work. We also recognize that heritage legislation across Canada remains deeply colonial. While all archaeologists should strive to comply with the spirit of the ethical principles, the CAA acknowledges that there are tensions between supporting Indigenous self-determination and complying with current heritage legislation and regulatory frameworks. We encourage all members to advocate for and work towards bringing existing legislation in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).

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Presentation of Human Remains in Canadian Archaeological Association Media

The Canadian Archaeological Association requires authors to obtain documented permission from descendant communities to present human remains in any media or form. In addition to genomic considerations, descendant communities are defined here by their historical, cultural, and symbolic associations to places they consider ancestral.

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Canadian Archaeological Association Anti-harassment Policy and Procedures

Revised April 24, 2021 in response to member feedback.

The Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) is committed to fostering a harassment-free professional organization where all members are treated with respect and dignity.

Anyone who feels that they are being harassed or who feels unsafe during the conference can reach out for support or to make a complaint by emailing safety@canadianarchaeology.com. [See the Netiquette section on the General Info tab for times during which that email will be monitored during the 2021 virtual conference.]

The Canadian Human Rights Act protects members from harassment based on race, national or ethnic origin, colour, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, family status, disability or pardoned conviction.

Harassment within the membership of the Canadian Archaeological Association is not tolerated. Members who are found to have harassed another individual may be subject to corrective actions.

This includes any member who: interferes with the resolution of a harassment complaint; retaliates against an individual for filing a harassment complaint; or files an unfounded harassment complaint intended to cause harm.

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