Non-invasive archaeological methods have become crucial components in truth and reconciliation initiatives across Canada. Archaeologists and Indigenous Nations are regularly employing these technologies to answer a broad spectrum of questions while grappling with the associated complexities. Most notably among these applications is the deployment of geophysical and remote sensing techniques (e.g., ground-penetrating radar or GPR) to identify graves at highly sensitive sites (e.g., former Indian Residential Schools). While ground search techniques and results often dominate public discourse, in practice, non-invasive archaeology encompasses a much broader suite of methods, applications, and questions.

This session will explore the breadth of non-invasive research being undertaken within Canadian archaeology, with a focus on applications, challenges, and ethical responsibilities related to investigating burial landscapes and other truth and reconciliation initiatives. Presentations will showcase applications of ground- and drone-based geophysical and remote-sensing technologies; their integration with archaeological, archival, oral testimony, and geospatial evidence; and the complexities and challenges that come with conducting this type of work. Papers may also address issues such as data sovereignty, analytical uncertainty, trauma-informed and culturally-grounded practice, and the challenges associated with communicating results to Survivors, descendant communities, and the public.