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In the modern world where progress is measured in economic and resource development, there are natural and cultural resources that need to be identified and protected. Archaeology is the scientific study of cultural resources and how those resources are connected to the natural world.

Through the centuries, Aboriginal peoples lived from the land using all available resources and technologies afforded to them. A well-trained archaeologist can identify archaeological sites and provide approximate dates when those sites were used, as well as how they were used, by studying the stones, bone fragments, and the styles of workmanship in the making of tools and other items found at the sites.

Archaeology for Aboriginal peoples becomes extremely important in defining territorial areas. These studies back up claims to land by identifying which groups of people used specific areas.

There are many different types of sites to be studied, including burial sites, sacred areas, and traditional use sites. Archaeology provides physical evidence of past use.

Archaeologists study sites, document them and sometimes collect items for further laboratory analysis. Fieldwork is often enjoyable as the work is done outdoors and usually in natural surroundings. Archaeological investigations can be time-consuming, as hand trowels are used to slowly peel back the earth while everything is documented. An archaeologist is well paid, but work is seasonal. It is best to do field work when the ground is not frozen and save laboratory analysis and report writing for the winter months.

Archaeological impact assessments are done by a land use developer and usually involve surveying the land in question to find out if any proposed development will impact existing archaeological resources.

Upon completion of an investigation or impact assessment, an archaeological report, including recommendations, is prepared and submitted to government, the First Nations in the area and the developer. It is in the best interests of First Nations to have their own archaeologists, because they are the stewards of their cultural resources. A variety of universities in Canada offer archaeology programs.