Taking on Looting: Pursuing Sustainable Site Protection Policies in Southern Ontario

Abstract

Centuries of looting has repeatedly unearthed the archaeological remains of First Nations middens, villages, and cemeteries. This paper presents a case for new measures to curtail these illicit practices in Ontario. Over the last decade, many archaeologists have espoused a program of sustainable archaeology. I suggest protections of in situ contexts against looting will further the objectives of sustainable archaeology and contribute to this broader trajectory of practice in the province. Using the history of looting and archaeological conditions at Neutral Iroquoian (Attawandaron) sites, along with information from modern collectors, the paper reveals the persistent threat of looting and the necessity for action. I suggest the province, municipalities, and archaeological stakeholders deploy policies aimed at preserving these resources into the future. I advocate for a stewardship of personal and collective responsibility among property owners and hobbyists through educational initiatives, legal easement agreements, and existing legislative mandates to serve as a pragmatic step towards the long-term sustainable protection of these sites.