SLRD Archaeological & Heritage Resources

Archaeological and heritage resources are an irreplaceable part of the cultural, historical, scientific, spiritual and educational record of the Squamish-Lillooet Regional District. These sites help tell the story of first peoples, communities and landscapes over thousands of years. They are especially important to First Nations. They provide evidence of  long-standing use of traditional territories and are sacred connections to the past. 

Archaeological sites cannot be replaced once they are damaged or destroyed,  Development can affect these sites, so protecting them is essential.

Archaeological sites are protected under British Columbia’s Heritage Conservation Act. This protection applies to both public and private land, whether a site has been previously recorded or not. Sites must not be altered, damaged or disturbed without the appropriate provincial permit.

Archaeological sites may include:

• village sites (such as structural evidence of traditional Squamish Nation multi-family longhouses (lháy̓em) or traditional St'át'imc pit-houses (ístken)
• seasonal camps
• burial places (sacred ancestral resting sites)
• culturally modified trees (such as cedar that were sustainably stripped or logged)
• rock art including pictographs (painted) and petroglyphs (carved or incised) 
• hand-placed rock structures (petroforms) such as cairns or hunting blinds
• food processing and hunting areas, which often reveal traces of fish bones or shells
• indigenous heritage trails
• tools made from stone, bone, antler, wood, and shells including as projectile points (arrowheads), and cutting tools
• or other cultural materials 

Property owners and applicants are responsible for ensuring archaeological sites are not disturbed during construction, renovation, landscaping, subdivision, utility work or other ground-disturbing activities. Consider archaeological requirements early in project planning to help avoid delays, redesigns or stop-work situations. 

• Find out whether your property may contain a protected archaeological site or an area of archaeological potential. Request a free archaeological information report from the Province.
• Contact the SLRD early if your project requires a development or building permit. 
• If archaeological potential or a protected site is identified, consult a qualified professional archaeologist who is in good standing and works in cooperation with the affected First Nation(s). 
• Do not begin land-altering work within a protected archaeological site unless the required Provincial permitting is in place.

If archaeological materials are found during work, stop work immediately in the subject area and protect the find from further disturbance. Contact the Province of British Columbia’s Archaeology Branch, a qualified archaeologist, and the SLRD for guidance before resuming work. Property owners are encouraged to develop a Chance Finds Procedure in association with a qualified professional archaeologist.

Archaeological and heritage conservation supports reconciliation by recognizing the enduring connections between First Nations and their territories, histories and cultural places. The SLRD encourages early planning, respectful stewardship and compliance with Provincial requirements to help protect archaeological and heritage resources for future generations.