Code of Conduct

Keith Island Archaeological Project
University of Victoria Barkley Sound Archaeology Field School
Code of Conduct

The UVic Archaeology Field School in Barkley Sound is a collaborative research project and educational initiative between the Department of Anthropology University of Victoria, Tseshaht First Nation, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve of Canada, and the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre. In order to ensure all participants (staff, students, community members, & volunteers) understand their rights and responsibilities in maintaining a safe and friendly environment for all each participant is asked to reflect upon and agree to adhere to the following expectations.

As members of a team:
(1) We are committed to working together. All aspects of our contributions to the project–although they might be led by individual team members – aim to provide an opportunity for:

a. Learning and skills-based training in coastal archaeological research
b. Contributing high quality archaeological and heritage information to Tseshaht First Nation and Parks Canada
c. Conducting ourselves safely and responsibly as a team in an isolated field setting

(2) We are privileged to live and work temporarily in Tseshaht First Nation territory and work at a site of special historical and personal significance to community members. Our work also must meet Parks Canada heritage conservation standards. We respect, care for, and seek to create long-lasting friendships and working relationships with our project partners.

(3) We have a right to a safe, secure and non-threatening working and living environment. We do not tolerate any form of discriminatory, abusive, aggressive, harassing, threatening, sexually or physically intimidating, or related problematic behaviours that compromise the wellbeing, of others.
Considering these policies, you agree to the following.

a. If I feel unsafe or uncomfortable, or I witness others being subjected to the same, I will report it immediately to the project directors, course instructor, or teaching assistant. If I feel I cannot speak to my direct supervisor, I will report it to the chair of the University of Victoria’s Department of Anthropology.

b. I recognize that if I am involved in behaviour that compromises the wellbeing, equality, security or dignity of other persons, I will be subject to disciplinary proceedings and may be required to leave the project.

c. We are committed to the working hours, professional expectations and responsibilities defined by the project. We typically work as part of a larger project team guided by wider goals than ours alone. We are aware of their responsibilities, and we agree to respect and abide by the instructions provided by the directors.

1 This code of conduct has been in place since 2018 and is based on UVic policy, University of York’s Department of Archaeology Code of Conduct, and the 5-year Collaboration Plan (2017-2022) that guides this project between partners UVic Anthropology, Tseshaht First Nation, Pacific Rim National Park Reserve, and the Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre.