Abstract

Theory in archaeology is a mixed blessing to begin with; pragmatically mixing it a bit more does little harm in itself, and can certainly beat dogmatic adherence to theoretical programs of dubious relevance. (This holds especially when those theoretical programs are originally someone else's eclecticism anyway, custom-tailored to their specific historical circumstances.) But what are our best ingredients? For an Ontarian to discuss Canadian archaeology or a Canadian perspective as a monolithic entity at a national conference in Alberta is to invite a referendum. Instead, I will suggest that the general condition of being Canadian or, perhaps, Being in Canada can contribute in special ways to archaeological endeavours both at home and abroad. Our status as a country simultaneously colonial and post-colonial, our high immigration rate and multiculturalism, and distinctive policies in education and resource protection, make Being in Canada different from being in some countries which have produced more prominent archaeological theory.