Greetings from Prince Edward Island where the morning frost has finally arrived to remind us that winter is on its way. It’s hard to believe it’s December as we turn our minds to the post-fieldwork duties that keep us occupied until spring. Since I last wrote, the Board has met frequently and much has been underway. A note of thanks to all Board members for graciously making the time to bring your knowledge and experience to our work. Thanks also to the committees and working groups for their contribution. So far I have had the pleasure of meeting with some of you individually and I look forward to a full gathering of committee chairs in the coming weeks.

Although the holiday season is upon us, we are only six months from the 2023 Canadian Archaeological Association’s annual conference. This gathering will take place Tuesday, May 3rd to Saturday, May 6th, 2023, at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre in Sydney, Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia. We are excited to co-host this event with the Mawlukutijitk Saqmaq, Assembly of Nova Scotia Mi’kmaw Chiefs, in traditional Mi’kmaq territory. This marks the first time in our organization’s history that the conference will be held at an Indigenous owned venue. Our anticipation for the program grows as details become available; in the meantime, you can virtually explore the venue here https://membertoutcc.com/. A call for sessions will be distributed by the end of the month; watch our website and social media for updates. Speaking of social media, please join me in welcoming Jade Ross as our new Social Media Coordinator.

Mindful of our carbon footprint we are aiming for another climate friendly event that combines in person and virtual attendance. This gives you the flexibility to join us at the venue or from your desk. Note that the conference planning committee will be offering an exclusive $10 registration fee for Indigenous friends and colleagues who need not be CAA members to attend.

Turning to future conferences, planning is underway for CAA 2024 in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, stay tuned for information as it becomes available. And a reminder that we are seeking a host for the 2025 conference. Any groups interested in hosting are invited to contact me at president@canadianarchaeology.com.

Serving the organization is a rewarding experience and our work is strengthened by the exchange of diverse voices and perspectives. If you are interested in getting involved I encourage you to reach out, we are happy to answer any questions about upcoming or current vacancies as outlined briefly below.  

• Currently we are seeking candidates for the President Elect and Secretary positions. There are plenty of good reasons to consider offering, whether it is to contribute your experience and knowledge, raise or address issues, help lead change, or to influence decision-making processes.
• Following the recommendation of the Ethics Review Committee we are currently seeking volunteers for a new ad hoc committee to develop a statement on the ethical treatment of human remains. This flows from the Committee’s recommendation to give direct attention to this critical aspect of our ethical conduct and is meant to complement the Principles of Ethical Conduct that were adopted at the last annual general meeting.  
• The Equity and Diversity Working Group’s five-year mandate will be complete in May 2023. Following a proposal at the 2022 annual general meeting, a standing committee will be formed to carry on this important work. With a strong foundation established by the Working Group, the standing committee will support and build upon its purpose to promote and raise awareness for a more equitable and diverse environment for all archaeologists. We are seeking volunteers for this new committee.

If you are interested in enquiring about or offering for any of these positions, please contact me at this address: president@canadianarchaeology.com

Until next time, I wish everyone a relaxing and restorative holiday season and look forward to re-connecting in 2023.

Helen Kristmanson