The Provincial Archaeology Office (PAO) is the regulatory agency for all archaeology conducted within the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Archaeological Site Management and Protection
The PAO aids the Minister in protecting, preserving, developing, studying, interpreting, and promoting an appreciation of the historic resources of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Archaeological work is guided by the Archaeological Investigation Permit Regulations and historic resources are protected under the Historic Resources Act.
The PAO is the central repository for all archaeological records in the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. It houses site record forms submitted by archaeologists, reviews site reports submitted by archaeologists, and maintains up-to-date plots of site locations on 1:50,000 topographical maps and in GIS software.
The PAO maintains a computerized sites inventory database and GIS program, with associated library, for the use of academic researchers and the general public, both within the Province, and throughout the world.
The PAO receives all artifacts, documentation, and reports related to field projects carried out under permit through the Historic Resources Act, and checks the material for accuracy and completeness.
The PAO responds to and assists with archaeological emergencies that may arise.
Archaeological Permitting
The PAO reviews permit applications for research and historic resources impact assessments and issues permits to archaeologists to carry out all archaeological activities. Graduate student grant applications for archaeological research are also reviewed and processed yearly by the PAO.
Land Use Referrals
The PAO, in its capacity as a regulatory agency, determines the need for historic resources impact assessments through the review of land use referrals submitted by both government agencies, and the private sector. Provincial agencies which regularly refer applications to the PAO include the Department of Fisheries and Aquaculture, the Forestry Division, the Environmental Assessment Division, the Crown Lands Division, and the Mineral Lands Division.
Development of Policy and Procedures
The PAO is involved with developing policy to protect historic resources within the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Consultation with Various Groups having Archaeological Interests
The PAO is a regulatory agency and is represented on the government’s Environmental Assessment Committees. Specifically, the PAO administers the Historic Resources Act, which ensures the protection of historic resources, and provides quality control for archaeological practice in Newfoundland and Labrador.
The PAO holds regular consultations with archaeologists and other academics regarding field work and research projects.
The PAO is involved with the government’s land claim negotiations with Indigenous peoples.
Education
The purpose of the Public Education Awareness Program of the PAO is to increase awareness about archaeology and archaeological issues within the general public, the archaeology community, government and industry. Ways in which the information is distributed are by issuing an annual journal pertaining to fieldwork carried out in the past year; a web page which includes information on the PAO and its responsibilities, as well as general archaeology information; a Facebook and an Instagram page and a blog; presentations to various groups including school students, divers and industry; a brochure which includes similar information to what is on the web page; information packages distributed as requested which include brochures, newsletters, Historic Resources Act and any information available on developed archaeological sites.
Palaeontological Site Management and Protection
The PAO aids the Minister in protecting, preserving, developing, studying, interpreting, and promoting an appreciation of the palaeontological resources of the Province of Newfoundland and Labrador. Palaeontological work is guided by the Palaeontological Resource Regulations and historic resources are protected under the Historic Resources Act.