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Part of Indigenous culture

Indigenous Heritage Section

Working with Indigenous communities to preserve and protect the cultural heritage sites that are an important part of Alberta’s heritage.

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Important to know

Managing Indigenous Traditional Use Sites

Overview

The culture, history and traditions of Indigenous people are an important part of Alberta’s heritage. Staff work with Indigenous communities to help preserve and protect cultural heritage sites by:

  • evaluating proposed developments and identify when consultation about traditional use sites is needed
  • engaging with Indigenous communities to help record and protect cultural heritage / traditional use sites
  • providing community outreach
  • helping with initiative funding for project led by Indigenous communities and groups
  • creating and administering government policies
  • participating in consultation regarding cultural heritage sites

Traditional use sites

The Historical Resources Act, defines and offers regulatory protection to thousands of Indigenous traditional use sites throughout the province. Some common types of sites recorded include:

  • historic cabins and cabin remains
  • cultural or historical community camp sites
  • historic settlements and homesteads
  • unregistered grave sites, burials and cemeteries
  • ceremonial sites and spiritual sites
  • ceremonial plant or mineral gathering sites
  • historic trail features
  • historic sites
  • sweat, thirst and fasting lodges
  • oral history sites

If a historic resource is found during the course of a development project, developers are required to report the site to our Heritage Division. The form below can be used to assist in the recording of traditional use sites of a historic resource nature, for the purposes of protection and preservation under the Historical Resources Act.

The form is optional and does not require all fields be to be completed. If you have any questions regarding the use of the form, contact the Indigenous Heritage Section.

Contact

Connect with the Indigenous Heritage Section:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-431-2300 (in Alberta)
Toll free: dial 310-0000 before the number
Fax: 780-427-3956
Email: indigenous.heritage@gov.ab.ca

Address:
Old St. Stephen's College
8820 112th Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T6G 2P8