The Archaeological Survey of Alberta is proud to announce the re-establishment of an occasional paper series that served as the principal means of sharing archaeological information in the province from 1976 to 1994. The series consisted of annual review volumes (with papers that summarized a years’ worth of archaeological projects) and thematic volumes that showcased current projects and research pertaining to a specific region or topic in Alberta archaeology (past volumes can be accessed here). To kick-off the series revival, we present a volume of 16 articles led by current and former staff of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta and Royal Alberta Museum. The articles present new methods, approaches, and results of archaeology in the province. The current and all future volumes will be available for free download.
Who is this by and who is it for?
In keeping with tradition, we hope that future issues of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta’s Occasional Paper Series (nick named the ‘Blue Book series’ because of the blue covers) will feature work by archaeological consultants, university students and professors, and other professional archaeologists working in Alberta. Any practicing archaeologist is welcome to submit a paper: click here for further information about submissions and guidelines. Papers can be based on cultural resource management policy, archaeological best practices, guidelines, methods, academic research, summaries of archaeological projects, or in-depth investigations of particular facets of Alberta’s archaeological record. The audience of the revived Blue Book series includes professional archaeologists, avocational archaeologists, students of the discipline, and interested members of the public.
Why is this important?
Archaeological resources are protected in Alberta by our Historic Resources Act: to demonstrate why that act, and Alberta’s record of past human activity, are important, we need a venue to share archaeological information. The Blue Book offers a place to showcase the amazing, inspiring, and humbling records of people that shaped this province. And it creates a dialogue to openly discuss how best to protect that past while recognizing the needs of modern Albertans to continue to develop the province. The intents of the Archaeological Survey of Alberta’s revived Blue Book series are to stimulate, illuminate, and debate the records and practices of archaeological work in the province.
Written By: Robin Woywitka, Cultural Land Use Analyst, Archaeological Survey of Alberta
RETROactive 
The Blue Book is a great idea!
Our Library has many of these original sessional papers (yes, in paper format!). I am pleased to see this torch is being picked up. I do hope some archaeological attention can be brought to the north in the near future. Our Indigenous stories are valuable and so relevant to the boreal forest environment.
Always love to host Todd for speaker’s event when he can make it.
Laura Gloor
Peace River Museum & Archives