Indigenous Heritage Section

Overview

The culture, history and traditions of Indigenous people are an important part of Alberta’s heritage. Staff work with Indigenous communities to help preserve and protect cultural heritage sites by:

• evaluating proposed developments and identifying when consultation about traditional use sites of a historic resource nature is needed
• engaging with Indigenous communities to help record and protect traditional use sites of a historic resource nature
• providing community outreach
• participating in consultation regarding heritage sites
• supporting community-led heritage initiatives
• creating and administering government policies

Documenting and Protecting Indigenous Heritage Sites: A Guide, provides greater understanding of and appreciation for the protection of cultural Indigenous heritage sites.

Traditional use sites

The Historical Resources Act, defines and offers regulatory protection to thousands of Indigenous traditional use sites throughout the province. Some common types of sites recorded include:

• historic cabins and cabin remains
• historic settlements and homesteads
• cultural or historic camp sites
• unregistered grave sites, burials and cemeteries
• ceremonial sites and spiritual sites
• plant harvesting and mineral gathering sites
• historic trails
• historic sites
• oral history sites

Use the Traditional Use Site Inventory Data form to assist in the recording of traditional use sites of a historic resource nature, for the purposes of protection and preservation under the Historical Resources Act.

The form is optional and does not require all fields be to be completed. If you have any questions regarding the use of the form, contact the Indigenous Heritage Section.

Managing Indigenous Traditional Use Sites

Under the Historical Resources Act, the Department regulates development activities that could adversely affect significant historic resources in the province, including Indigenous traditional use sites. Developers are required to consult with communities that could potentially be affected by development.

• Information Bulletin: Regulating Activities that May Adversely Affect Indigenous Traditional Use Sites
• Historical Resources Act Compliance for forestry operations that may adversely affect Indigenous traditional-use sites, 2026

Consultation resources

Under the Historical Resources Act, Alberta Arts, Culture and Status of Women regulates development activities that could adversely affect significant historic resources in the province, including Indigenous traditional use sites. Developers are required to consult with communities that could potentially be affected by development.

Notification letter template

To assist proponents, the Notification letter template is intended to help proponents connect and specify to First Nations, Metis settlements, or Credibly Asserted Métis Communities, that consultation under the Historical Resources Act is being initiated.

Record of Consultation Log

Proponents are required to maintain a complete record of consultation efforts, using the Record of Consultation template.

Contact

Connect with the Indigenous Heritage Section:

Hours: 8:15 am to 4:30 pm (open Monday to Friday, closed statutory holidays)
Phone: 780-431-2300 (in Alberta)
Toll free: dial 310-0000 before the number
Fax: 780-427-3956
Email: [email protected]

Address:
Old St. Stephen's College
8820 112th Street NW
Edmonton, Alberta  T6G 2P8