Additional Information

Available Through

JSTOR

Language

English

Notes

Abstract: Ethical questions have assumed a central role in archaeological discourse during the past few years. In May of 1996 the Canadian Archaeological Association ratified its first code of ethics called: Statement of Principles for Ethical Conduct Pertaining to Aboriginal Peoples. This paper compares the CAA statement with those of the national archaeological associations from New Zealand, Australia and the United States as well as the World Archaeological Congress and the Society of Professional Archaeologists. A content analysis provides a quantitative assessment of major themes addressed by each of the six documents. Significant differences are documented between the Canadian, Australian and New Zealand associations on one hand and the Society for American Archaeology on the other. The former ethical documents provide a privileged position for Native involvement in archaeological endeavours, the latter does not.

Additional tags: codes of ethics; archaeological societies; Indigenous, Aboriginal, and Native relationships to archaeology

Abstract also available in French. See Wylie (1997) for a response to this article, listed separately in this database.

Taxonomies

RPA Codes & Standards

• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Colleagues, Employees, and Students
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to Employers and Clients
• Archaeologist's Responsibility to the Public

CIfA Codes

• Principle 1: Adherence to ethical and responsible behaviour in archaeological affairs
• Principle 2: Responsibility for the conservation of the historic environment
• Principle 3: Responsibility for acquiring and recording reliable information of the past in archaeological research
• Principle 4: Responsibility for the availability of archaeological results within reasonable dispatch
• Principle 5: Recognition of aspirations of employees, colleagues and helpers in all matters of employment

Keywords & Terms

• Consultation/Partnership with Indigenous Peoples
• Indigenous, Tribal, Aboriginal Rights
• Professional Standards
• Promotion of Archaeological Research/Archaeology as Scientific Discipline
• Respect for and Responsibility to Affected Groups

Topics & Issues

• Archaeological Societies and Codes of Ethics
• Colonialism and Imperialism
• Ethical Responsibilities of Archaeologists
• Indigenous Archaeology: Perspectives and Issues
• Professionalism and Professional Standards