This spring has brought change and challenges for all of us. It has also brought great kindness and community spirit as we navigate the many uncertainties of the COVID-19 pandemic. As I step into the role of CAA president, I’m inspired by the resilience, flexibility and creativity of our members.

Conference and AGM. A few weeks ago, instead of meeting in Edmonton, we held the CAA’s first ever virtual AGM. It was nice to see so many faces (including some pets!) from across the country. Many thanks to the Edmonton organizing committee for putting together what was shaping up to be an amazing conference. We hope it will be able to go ahead next spring. In the interim, we are exploring ways to offer a few of the planned workshops online.

Board of Directors. We saw some changes to our Board of Directors at the AGM. Mike Deal finished his term as President. Many thanks to Mike for leading the renewal of our committees over the past year and overseeing the reorganization of the CAA website—check it out, it looks great! He will remain on the Board for another year as Past President.
       Jenn Campbell completed her time as Vice-President. She has done great work on the Board, overseeing the awards and conference planning. Over the past year, she spearheaded the Member Safety Committee. Watch for a draft of that new policy, which we will circulate for member feedback. Recently, Jenn has been exploring the possibility of a Toronto bid to host WAC 10 in 2025—stay tuned!
       We are delighted to welcome our new VP Sara Beanlands to the Board. Sara brings a wealth of CRM experience and leadership in provincial archaeology associations to the role.

Committees. In Committee news, the Ethics Review Committee is working on their recommendations for updates to the CAA Principles of Ethical Conduct. All members will have an opportunity to comment on the proposed changes. The Advocacy Committee is about to share a bulletin on best practices for fieldwork during the COVID-19 pandemic. We are excited about the new Indigenous Issues and Climate Change committees, and the Media Working Group. A big thank-you to all our outgoing and incoming committee members and chairs. We still have a few vacancies—send me an email if you are interested in helping out: president@canadianarchaeology.com

Strategic Planning. This summer and fall, we will be renewing our Strategic Plan. We want to hear what the CAA means to you and what you think our priorities should be over the next 3 years. Expect several short surveys in the coming months. We hope you’ll take the time to respond. This is your chance to help shape the future of the CAA.
       COVID-19 will have long-lasting economic impacts. As an association, we will need to continue to manage our funds wisely, move the journal to a self-sustaining financial footing, and define clear priorities for our available resources—all of which will be part of our strategic planning exercise.

The flexibility and creativity we have practiced during the lockdown will serve the Canadian archaeology and heritage community well as we continue to experience the effects of the pandemic. Let’s continue to support each other, sharing information (e.g., about financial supports and working safely during the pandemic), helping rethink fieldwork and research plans, providing future training for students who have missed out on opportunities this summer. We welcome suggestions about how the CAA can support you, our members.

From all of us on the Board, stay safe, be well.

Lisa Hodgetts
CAA Director – President