Ancestral Site Conflicts

Examples of Conflicts around Ancestral / Archaeological Sites in HTG core territory.

There are over 1200 recorded archaeological sites within HTG territory, 85% of which are on private land. These sites include shell middens, burial caves, lithic scatters, and rock art sites. The sites are both physical evidence of past land use and occupancy and are also places that hold considerable social importance for Hul'qumi'num people. For illustrative purposes 12 recorded instances archaeological sites being disturbed prior to obtaining an alteration permit are displayed. This type of disturbance occurs frequently within HTG territory and these 12 points do not represent the scale at which these disturbances occur. Often these un-permitted disturbances go un-reported to The Archaeological Branch of the Provincial government and there is little monitoring or enforcement to prevent this type of disturbance. Disturbances of archaeological sites which created considerable public debates and protests are included in this map as green points. More information about the specific cases can be found in links included within the map.

For more information on the Hul’qumi’num peoples strategic vision on Ancestral Site Conflicts, please see the HTG Strategic Land Use Plan: Chapter 7.6