Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.

Name: Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.
Address: 50 Nebo Road, Unit 1, Hamilton, ON, L8W2E3, CA
Telephone: +15198042291

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Archaeological Research Associates Ltd.

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ARA is Ontario’s oldest archaeological and heritage consulting firm, uncovering Ontario's history

09/30/2026

Today is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also known as Orange Shirt Day. ARA offices are closed in observance of this day and we encourage everyone to take time today to reflect on the very troubled history of the Indian Residential School
system in Canada.

The Mohawk Institute in Brantford is one of the earliest residential schools, and one of
few still standing in Canada. If you are in the Brantford area today, plan a stop at the Woodland Cultural Centre on the Mohawk Institute property for Truth and Reconciliation Day programming from 9 am to 4:30 pm.
https://woodlandculturalcentre.ca/upcoming-events/

Search your local community for events related to TRC day, or take time to explore these documents and organizations to learn more about the TRC’s 94 Calls to Action, UNDRIP,
survivor’s stories, and how to donate
• UNDRIP
• Indian Residential School Survivors Society
• National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation
• Legacy of Hope Foundation
• Orange Shirt Society
• Reconciliation Canada
• Indspire

08/19/2026

Lead in the field. Grow with the team. As a Project Archaeologist at ARA, you'll have the opportunity to lead talented crews, contribute to meaningful projects, and foster a positive, supportive team culture. We believe our success is built on strong leadership, collaboration, and investing in the development of our people.

Apply to: [email protected]
Or visit: www.araheritage.ca/careers for more info

07/28/2026

We are hiring Archaeological Field Technicians to join our team for projects across Ontario. If you're passionate about archaeology, enjoy working outdoors, and are ready for a rewarding challenge, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply to: [email protected]
Or visit: www.araheritage.ca/careers for more info

04/17/2026

ARA Associate, William (Bill) Fox, has received the Order of Canada from Governor General Mary Simon for his lifetime of work in Ontario archaeology!

Bill’s long career in public service and education means he has an encyclopaedic knowledge of this province’s history. He served as a leader for the Ontario Archaeological Society and even in retirement he continues to share his wisdom with fellow archaeologists.

Bill is top of our list to contact when we’re trying to figure out a projectile point or unknown chert type. His work to promote Indigenous voices in provincial spaces started early and continues to this day. It’s a joy to see someone who has dedicated his life to archaeology be formally recognized for his work. Congrats, Bill!

11/14/2025

We’re celebrating the start of a BIG project! Last month, ARA staff kicked off the process of transferring collections to the repository at the Museum of Ontario Archaeology .

While ARA does its best to preserve collections by using archival materials and museum-level organization and tracking methods, there is no question that as CRM has developed into the industry we see today, the rate of collections growth has multiplied. With collections dating back to the company’s beginning – 1972 – keeping everything in house is not sustainable or responsible.

Under the current licencing structure, individual archaeologists are responsible for preserving everything recovered on sites they oversee and are required to hold these in trust for the people of Ontario. Unfortunately, without set standards of care or access, the preservation of artifacts and their associated documentation is often taken for granted or shifted to a lower priority once a project is complete. This has led to a well documented “Collections Crisis” in Ontario.

To mitigate the loss of archaeological collections and their data, the Museum of Ontario Archaeology provides a space equipped to preserve artifacts and associated documentation using specific and sustainable collections management policies. Centralizing collections in repositories such as this also helps descendant communities and researchers access collections which otherwise might be tucked away in office basements or rented storage.

While repatriation/rematriation is the preferred option for Indigenous belongings, the MOA has partnered with communities to create standards for care and access, as well as ensure the respect of cultural belongings is upheld.

ARA is delighted to be starting out on this partnership with the MOA!

Our Lab Manager would also like to give a big thank you to Field Technician Abel Land and Equipment Manager Ceilidh Shipley for taking care of the heavy lifting!

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10/10/2025

For this we have the pleasure of highlighting a long-time employee’s career development. Amanda started with us over a decade ago and has continuously displayed her passion for archaeology - both in the field and lab. In that time, she has progressed from Field Technician to Senior Field Technician, making the leap to Project Archaeologist this year. Moving into leadership roles can be daunting, we ask a lot of our supervisors, and some of the best are cautious to take it on. Although the demands of the job are substantial, Amanda has demonstrated an ability to use her knowledge and sound reasoning to consistently achieve high standards. With her extensive experience as a Field Technician she is primed to identify with the needs of the crew, which goes a long way to maintaining morale on those long, rigorous field days. Her experience in the lab is invaluable for training up new staff. She loves to add some whimsy and fun to site, from getting “back to school” balloons for our student staff members, and handing out a series of fun pens for site documentation. Amanda, thanks for the years of service and we look forward to seeing what you can do in the future!

09/23/2025

After being closed to the public since 2017, the Mohawk Institute building will have their Official Unveiling on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on September 30, 2025.

During the closure, ARA embarked on a volunteer project to provide archaeological services in support of the Save the Evidence campaign.

In partnership with the Woodland Cultural Centre, Mohawk Village Memorial Park, and Ontario Archaeological Society, the volunteer project spanned 3 field seasons, from 2017-2019.

The project pulled together volunteers from Six Nations of the Grand River, the Haudenosaunee Development Institute, Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Woodland Cultural Centre, Ontario Archaeological Society, the Mennonite Disaster Service, and the wider Brantford community.

As part of the re-opening, a new book titled Behind the Bricks: The Life and Times of the Mohawk Institute, Canada’s Longest-Running Residential School will be officially launched.

Tara Froman from the Woodland Cultural Centre and ARA’s Paul Racher and Sarah Clarke collaborated to contribute the chapter, ‘Collecting the Evidence: Archaeology and Restoration at the Mohawk Institute’

In addition to being available for purchase, the book is also available to read online. You can access this by searching the title on ucp.manifoldapp.org/read

08/29/2025

Every summer we get to work with students from many fields of study - archaeology and beyond. Sadly, that means come September we have to say goodbye to many of our crew as they return to school. ARA wishes you all the best returning to your studies, and we hope to see you all next spring!

P.S. that means that ARA is hiring for the fall! It’s a fact that September is the BEST time to dig - cool days, minimal bugs, and exploring the beautiful scenery across Ontario. What’s not to love?

Apply directly to [email protected], or visit www.araheritage.ca/careers/ to find out more.

Address

50 Nebo Road, Unit 1
Hamilton, ON
L8W2E3

Telephone

+15198042291

Website

http://araheritage.ca/

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