Strength in Unity: Shaping the Future of Cultural Resource Management in Canada

The cultural resource management (CRM) industry in Canada stands at a crossroads. With political and economic uncertainties looming both at home and abroad, now more than ever, we must come together to strengthen our profession, advocate for our needs, and ensure that cultural heritage remains a priority in all development decisions.

The Canadian Cultural Resources Association (CCRA) was founded on this very principle—to unify CRM and Archaeology professionals and businesses across Canada in order to foster a stronger, more resilient industry. Our first annual CCRA Conference on March 15, 2025, is not just an event—it’s a call to action.

Why Now?

Political shifts, regulatory changes, and economic instability can create challenges for CRM professionals. Federal and provincial policies around heritage protection, land use, and consultation processes can change quickly, impacting the way we work. In the United States, our colleagues at the American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA) have demonstrated the power of a unified voice in advocating for their industry. In the UK, FAME (Federation of Archaeological Managers and Employers) has done the same.

Canada cannot afford to fall behind. We need a collective voice—one that includes archaeological firms, Indigenous communities, and academics —to ensure that our field remains strong and that our shared cultural heritage is protected.

This conference is just the beginning. We are laying the foundation for ongoing collaboration, advocacy, and standardization in CRM across Canada.

Follow us, engage with us, and be ready to shape the direction of this new organization.

This is our moment to create something powerful, lasting, and impactful.

Let’s build this together.