Sara Beanlands, MA, is a founding partner of Boreas Heritage Consulting Inc., an independently owned company of archaeology consultants, heritage researchers, and geophysics experts, specializing in cultural resource management. Over the past 25 years, she has undertaken a wide range of archaeological assessment work throughout Atlantic Canada and is a former adjunct professor in the Department of Anthropology at Saint Mary’s University. She has served as President of the Nova Scotia Archaeology Society, on the Board of the Association of Professional Archaeologists of New Brunswick, and as Vice President of the Canadian Archaeological Association. She is currently President of the newly formed Canadian Cultural Resources Association.

Director of the Archaeology Division at Artéfact urbain since 2021, Marie-Anne Paradis has been working in archaeology and heritage dissemination since 2016. She holds a master’s degree from Université Laval, specializing in digital archaeology, with a focus on integrating scientific data into virtual reality environments for archaeological interpretation. At Artéfact urbain, her work focuses on improving research methodologies by incorporating new 3D data acquisition technologies. These methods also enhance public outreach by making information about our heritage more accessible and engaging. She is also deeply committed to advancing professional and ethical standards in archaeology in both Québec and Canada. Through her efforts to strengthen these standards, she seeks to help improve the profession as a whole, particularly by fostering better working conditions for all those involved in the industry.

Jim Finnigan is a professionally licensed archaeologist and a founder and President of Western Heritage. He has an undergraduate degree from the University of Calgary and a graduate degree from the University of Saskatchewan. Prior to Western Heritage he was the Archaeology Manager at the Saskatchewan Research Council. He has worked as an archaeologist for over 40 years and has completed archaeological assignments with most industries and at varying project scales. Jim has contributed to and participated in EIS/EIA projects at both the provincial and the federal level. He has additionally presented on archaeological management international conferences in Malaysia and the United States, and has worked on international projects in China and the Philippines. Jim is a past-president of the Saskatchewan Environmental Industry Association and the Saskatchewan Association of Professional Archaeologists.

David Norris is the Senior Archaeologist and Co-Founder of Woodland Heritage Northwest. With over 28 years of experience in both research and consulting archaeology, David specializes in the cultural heritage of Ontario’s northern boreal forests. His work focuses on integrating archaeological practice with community development and environmental planning. David is passionate about supporting northern Ontario First Nation communities in building capacity around archaeology, heritage preservation, and regulatory processes. He is dedicated to ensuring Indigenous voices are respected and central in all stages of heritage and development planning. David holds an Honours Bachelor of Arts from Lakehead University, a Master’s degree from the University of Saskatchewan, and a PhD from the University of Western Ontario. Throughout his career, he has honed his expertise in field archaeology, particularly within development-driven contexts. At Woodland Heritage Northwest, David continues to lead efforts in fostering respectful, collaborative partnerships with Indigenous communities across northern Ontario.

Kurtis Blaikie-Birkigt, MA is a consulting archaeologist with over 20 years experience in the boreal forest region of Alberta. His areas of expertise include survey methodology, predictive modeling, and cultural resource management best practices. His professional practice includes technical and regulatory support for First Nations and other communities, as well as public communication, education and capacity-building.