Vertical Series (VS) rock art is a rare and puzzling tradition that is characterized by repeated columns and rows of non-representational geometric and abstract symbols. The meaning of the symbols is almost entirely unknown. The tradition is known from only two dozen sites on the entire Great Plains and four sites in Alberta. Two of the Alberta sites were only discovered in the past several years thanks to technological advances that permit enhancement of very faint red colour pigment. This paper reviews the four Alberta VS rock art sites, looking at differences and commonalities. Site condition is discussed and it is noted that red pigment at all VS sites is very faint. In contrast, many red pictographs at other Alberta sites remain much more vibrant in colour. A possible explanation for the faded VS rock art is that it is of considerable age. Although no sites have been absolutely dated, new evidence from Montana suggests that VS sites in Alberta could be several thousand years old. Clearly, VS rock art is being lost to weathering. The purpose and meaning of VS rock art remains enigmatic, but a symbolic system of communication - as this art surely was - remains one of the closest developments in Precontact North America to a written "language". 

Thousands of archaeological and historical heritage sites in British Columbia are potentially threatened by climate change. Different approaches to managing impacts to protected heritage sites in reaction to climate changes have been developed and will continue to evolve. This presentation will provide a general outline of the impacts observed at heritage sites in British Columbia and management strategies applied. To illustrate this I examine two case studies. The first is the mountain pine beetle infestation that began in the 1990’s and the second is the 2017/2018 wildfires. Using the case studies I discuss observed challenges faced by archaeologists and heritage managers in British Columbia regarding sites vulnerable to climate change and will provide a list of potential recommendations to assist in the management of future impacts.

Archaeological sites in the eastern High Arctic are being impacted by coastal erosion, high winds and, in some cases, by human interference and neglect. If culturally-significant endangered sites are not identified and prioritized, and either protected or excavated, there is real risk of losing Nunavut's archaeological heritage to these factors. Three sites are discussed. Morin Point is a Thule site in Dundas Harbour (Devon Island) at threat of loss due to active coastal erosion. A rescue archaeology project for the site is in development. Two historic sites, Northumberland House on Beechey Island and the Dundas Harbour RCMP Post, are in very poor condition. Virtually nothing remains of Northumberland House, originally erected in 1852-1853 by the British Navy for members of the missing Franklin Expedition and other search expeditions. Wave or ice action, storm surges, frost-crack formation and human activity are destroying the site. At the RCMP Post, high winds completely overturned one building last year. The buildings were stabilized with permission from the Nunavut Territorial Archaeologist and the assistance of a carpentry crew from an expedition cruise company. However, concerned people will attempt to repair archaeological and historic sites that are degrading when they do not see evidence that government authorities are taking matters in hand. It is likely that they will use inappropriate techniques and materials to do so. Policy development on site visit protocol; the practice of memorializing visits; site stabilization and restoration; and ad hoc site restoration is recommended.