LiDAR-Assisted Heritage Resource Assessment of Indigenous Lands in Saskatchewan's Western Boreal Forest

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Saskatchewan Polytechnic (SaskPoly) is partnering with Big River First Nation (BRFN), and Saskatchewan Archaeological Society (SAS), to conduct a three-year research study aimed at locating heritage resources and culturally significant areas using traditional knowledge and light detection and ranging (LiDAR) systems. Airplane-mounted LiDAR data will be used to conduct a first pass assessment of approximately 1844 ha of west-central Saskatchewan boreal forest. The analysis will be used to locate terrain features consistent with transportation corridors and human habitation. Remotely piloted aircraft systems (RPAS) will be deployed to gain additional detail at locations where promising terrain features converge with insights gained through traditional knowledge inquiry. Ground surveys will then be conducted in collaboration with BRFN and SAS to validate likely heritage resource sites identified during the investigative process. We will work closely with Elders and Knowledge Keepers of the BRFN to plan and conduct these ground surveys with appropriate protocols for accessing and documenting cultural sites.The research team is looking to foster innovation and discovery of heritage resources on forested land currently allocated for timber harvesting and located within Treaty 6 territory. With the BRFN's guidance the research team will create a Community Advisory Council (CAC) composed of Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to guide the work of the project. Any discoveries of heritage resources will be overseen by BRFN community members to ensure compliance with principles of ownership, control, access, and possession (OCAPr) of research-related results. Benefits accrued from this research are likely to include advances in the workflow and methods of LiDAR detection of heritage resources, expanded awareness of the cultural and historical footprint of the Woodland Cree in forested terrain, and the potential to proactively identify heritage sites in advance of forest harvesting or any other form of industrial development.Workshops will be held twice a year to highlight different steps of the research process as the study progresses. These workshops will take place within Big River First Nations facilities and on Saskatchewan Polytechnic campus in Prince Albert. Accessibility for all community members is important to us, and forms part of the principle of reciprocity through which we will share knowledge back with the community.