In-Trust Relationships

The Laboratory of Archaeology (LOA) recognizes that it is the temporary custodian of archaeological materials for the legally recognized First Nations authorities in the territory from which the materials originated. The materials are held in trust by the Laboratory until such time as any relevant land claims in the province of British Columbia have been resolved or until the transfer of materials to a First Nations group.

As temporary custodians of First Nations cultural material and human remains, the Laboratory acknowledges and recognizes its responsibility to develop close working relationships with groups and organizations which have a claim to or interest in the cultural material and human remains in its care.

In cases where the Laboratory of Archaeology is aware of First Nations groups with an interest in particular collections and where that interest has been communicated to the Laboratory in writing, the Laboratory will inform the groups of any significant additions or changes to the collection.