Dear Colleagues and Friends,

The Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) was founded nearly 60 years ago. Our membership consists of academic, professional, student and advocational archaeologists, and includes individuals of the general public of any country, who are interested in furthering the objectives of the CAA.

Our objectives as a national organization are clear. They include the dissemination of archaeological knowledge, the promotion of active and inclusive discourse and cooperation among societies and agencies, the development of archaeological research and protection efforts, and the fostering of meaningful relationships and collaborative efforts with groups and communities concerned with the Indigenous heritage of Canada. Importantly, we aim to discourage activities detrimental to archaeology.

In recent weeks, it has been interesting and distressing to reflect on the objectives of the CAA in light of events and drastic changes pointed at the work of archaeologists in the United States. Many of us follow the news threads and hear directly from our American partners and co-workers. We have also read the communications from the SHA, SAA, ACRA and AAA. So quickly in the USA, work to revise federal cultural heritage frameworks linked to protection, preservation and regulation, have begun to critically impact archaeology in the scholarly, community, and CRM realms.

The Board, on behalf of the membership of the CAA, is taking this moment to express our support in these dark times. We understand the serious challenges facing archaeologists of every sector. We recognize the significant challenges now facing archaeology, as a discipline and profession, in the United States. There is so much at stake and the ripple effect will be tremendous.

In Canada, the CAA will continue its commitment to fostering and promoting archaeology and cultural heritage in a Canadian context and more broadly, a North American context. We will do this while standing in support of our American colleagues.

We watch and listen with astonishment. We share and discuss your fears and concerns. We remain hopeful for positive reversals of stated pronouncements.

Yours in archaeology,

Katie Cottreau-Robins, PhD
President
Canadian Archaeological Association