Seasons Greetings,

Hope this message finds everyone well at this busy time. With the New Year on the horizon, we are already thinking about our annual conference in Saskatoon in 2024. Arrangements are quickly coming together thanks to the planning team at the University of Saskatchewan and the Saskatchewan Archaeological Society. Following the holidays watch our website and social media for information and announcements. As this will be a hybrid conference, here is an early reminder that if you are planning to attend virtually the conference organizers will require a pre-recorded presentation in advance.

Since my last message most Board members have been (and some remain) busy with field work and other activities, however we have managed to convene a couple times to keep the embers burning. Soon, as we settle back into our routines, we look forward to another informative meeting with all Committee Chairs. We are in the process of forming several committees, news of which will come in a follow up message. As always, we encourage anyone interested in serving on a committee to reach out directly to a committee Chair or a Board member.

At our Fall board meeting, we were pleased to have a report from new Student Committee co-chairs Susannah Clinker and Christie Fender who have invigorated membership to 31 student members, adding significantly to the number of universities represented. I look forward to hearing more about their ideas for a student event at the annual meeting in Saskatoon.

Recently, Parks Canada invited the CAA Board to an engagement session on their draft Cultural Resource Management Policy. Dr. Ken Holyoke of the Advocacy Committee joined Vice President Sara Beanlands and I for this meeting at which Parks Canada representatives gave a presentation on the draft policy followed by discussion. We look forward to a continued engagement with the Agency on the policy and other matters of mutual interest.

I would also like to thank Denton Pendergast, son of Jim Pendergast, to whom our Avocational Archaeologist award is dedicated. Recently we had a meeting with Denton who graciously lent his thoughts and expertise to help promote the Pendergast and all our awards.  

After the Annual General Meeting next spring my service as President comes to an end, but I’m delighted that the role will be in the good hands of President-elect, Dr. Katie Cottreau-Robins. As Katie takes the helm, it will be my pleasure as Past-President to support her and the Board for another year.

Finally, I’d like to offer a special thanks to Vice-President Sara Beanlands for her service on the CAA Board of Directors which comes to term next May. Sara is a valued board member and our Association has benefitted greatly from her experience, insights, and sensitivity. The position of Vice-President will become vacant with Sara’s departure and I encourage any interested members to offer their name or encourage others to consider this rewarding opportunity.

Wishing everyone a peaceful and healthy holiday season and look forward to meeting again in Saskatoon. In the meantime, if you have any thoughts, questions, or concerns to share please reach out to me at any time.

All best wishes,

Helen Kristmanson
president@canadianarchaeology.com