This panel discussion will bring together educators and CRM leaders to discuss the current challenges facing archaeology field training in Canada, share innovations and experiments, and identify paths forward.

The Canadian CRM sector is facing pressure from multiple directions including increasing demand, pressure for deregulation, and the need to increase indigenous participation in all aspects of the CRM process. These are all contributing to a CRM Capacity Crisis which is highlighting gaps in the readiness of post-secondary graduates for both field technician and project leadership roles in CRM, and structural employment issues in the CRM business model. 

Simultaneously, academic institutions are facing funding, administrative and risk management pressures that are affecting their ability to offer field training and adapt to the needs of the industry. The traditional six-week excavation field school is becoming harder for universities to offer, and does not meet the CRM sector’s needs. The traditional bachelor’s degree is also a barrier to entry for many diverse, remote and indigenous youth into archaeology.

We invite educators and other leaders to submit proposals for participation in this panel discussion. Participation will include a short (5-10 minute)  presentation of current efforts and challenges and contribution to a facilitated panel discussion on how we can prepare the next generation of archaeologists to better steward cultural heritage.

This session is organized by the Canadian Cultural Resources Association.