Archaeological Services From Start to Finish
From early project planning and archaeological assessments to field investigations and reporting, Baseline provides practical, professional archaeological consulting services throughout British Columbia.
Our Archaeological Services
Preliminary Field Reconnaissance
Preliminary Field Reconnaissance studies (PFRs) may be conducted without a permit to conduct a field evaluation of archaeological potential. Our reconnaissance services can include:
- Total station and Geographic Information Systems mapping, data management
- Culturally modified tree (CMT) inventories
- Archaeological mitigation and monitoring services
Archaeological Impact Assessments
Archaeological Impact Assessments (AIAs) are conducted by archaeologists under permit and allow for subsurface investigations, artifact collections, and other activities.
Archaeological Inventory Studies
At Baseline, we provide precise and careful analysis, using data on where Archaeological sites are and are likely to be found. This information is used for planning and land use projects by governments, municipalities, regional districts, and large-scale developers to help them make informed decisions for the future.
Archaeological Overview Assessments
Archaeological Overview Assessments (AOAs) allow for a desktop assessment of several variables (e.g., known archaeological sites, traditional land use, or environmental variables) to identify and assess the potential of an area for as-yet unrecorded archaeological sites.
Field/Construction Monitoring
We provide in-the-field archaeological services, including supervision of construction activities in areas with potential archaeological resources. A qualified archaeologist observes construction crews as they dig, identifying, documenting, and protecting any discovered artifacts or features to comply with historic preservation laws and mitigate damage to cultural resources.
Excavations/Systematic Data Recovery
Systematic data recovery takes place after an archaeological site has been discovered. At Baseline Archaeological Services, our next step in this project is to carefully record, recover, and analyze artifacts and features found within the site, often working closely with Indigenous groups that reside in the area to ensure artifacts and features are treated with cultural respect.
Heritage Screening
A preliminary assessment process, often part of an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), is used to determine the presence and potential impact of archaeological resources on a proposed development project. It involves background research and potentially field surveys to identify known or potential heritage sites, helping to determine if further, more detailed studies, such as a Cultural Heritage Report or Archaeological Impact Assessment, are necessary to protect these resources.
Repatriation
Repatriation is an essential part of our work, guided by partnerships with First Nations. We assist communities in the return of Ancestral remains and cultural belongings from archaeological contexts, ensuring that processes align with Indigenous tradition and protocols. Our role includes temporary guardianship of materials while supporting Nations in reclaiming stewardship over their heritage, working transparently and collaboratively to meet community expectations and provincial requirements.
Culturally Modified Trees Identification
A CMT is a tree that Indigenous people have altered as part of their traditional use of the forest. There are many kinds of CMTs in British Columbia. Examples include trees with bark removed, stumps and felled logs, trees tested for soundness, trees chopped for pitch, trees with scars from plank removal, and trees delimbed for wood. Some kinds are common; others are infrequent. At Baseline, we provide expert services in identifying, analyzing and recording instances of CMTs.
Lab Analysis
(including faunal, lithic, artifact and osteo)
Our lab services support the careful study, documentation, and reporting of a wide variety of materials. We feature:
- Faunal analysis
- Lithic and artifact analysis
- Osteological analysis (human remains identification and Ancestral remains analysis)
- Sample preparation and facilitation for specialized analysis (radiocarbon dating, Isotope analysis, blood residue analysis, etc.)
- Specialized and temperature-controlled storage facilities (for stabilization and preservation of sensitive cultural materials)
Require another type of service?
Please reach out! We offer flexible solutions tailored to each project’s specific needs and requirements.