The Saskatoon Archaeological Society was founded on May 2, 1935 by twelve
people interested in understanding who had made the artifacts they collected
from the area. Ten of these twelve founders were directly associated with
the University of Saskatchewan and encouraged the library to expand its
holdings in archaeology. Many of these founders and later members made
substantial contributions to history, chemistry, agriculture and provincial
heritage legislation.
The members of the SAS were also instrumental in the creation of the
Department of Anthropology and Archaeology at the University of Saskatchewan.
This served to increase the contact between the amateur and professional
community of archaeologists. The Society has maintained an active interest in
the Department and has added its support in maintaining the Department's
programs and staffing levels.
The Society also played a strong advocacy role in the protection of provincial
archaeological sites and material. From its conception in the 1930s, members
organized controlled excavations of threatened sites. Letters were written to
the government about the loss of artifacts from the province - many arrowheads
being sold to the highest bidders. They also lobbied the government to protect
areas of high archaeological importance, such as Tipperary Creek (now known as
Wanuskewin Heritage Park).
In the 1970s, efforts were made to produce adequate heritage legislation in
Saskatchewan. In 1980 and 1981, the group presented its views on a new
heritage act and the importance of understanding pre-contact cultures to a
government panel which was attempting to produce a cultural policy for the
province. The Society has been instrumental in supporting current protective
heritage legislation and archaeological activity within the province. It has
also been involved with the City of Saskatoon in creating municipal heritage
policy and working with the Meewasin Planning and Development Committee.
The Saskatoon Archaeological Society is the oldest, active city-based
avocational society in Canada.
