Preserving the Stories Beneath Every Site

Archaeology is the study of human cultures through physical evidence such as artifacts, features, soils, landscapes, and ancestral places. In British Columbia, archaeological work often helps document and protect pre-contact, proto-contact, and historic-period sites.

Archaeology helps communities, governments, landowners, and project teams understand the cultural history of a place before decisions are made. It protects limited and sensitive heritage sites while creating stronger links between the past, present, and future.

Aquilla Archaeology provides archaeological consulting and heritage management services, including early-stage assessments, field studies, impact assessments, permit support, construction monitoring, GIS and LiDAR analysis, 3D documentation, and cultural resource management education.

In other words, we help people understand whether a property, construction project, or landscape may affect archaeological or cultural heritage sites. Our work can include background research, site visits, field testing, permit guidance, on-site monitoring during construction, mapping, digital documentation, and practical advice for protecting heritage while projects move forward.

Aquilla is based in Nanaimo, BC and works across Vancouver Island and Coastal British Columbia. Much of our work focuses on coastal BC archaeology, Indigenous heritage documentation, and community-centred heritage management.

Aquilla works with First Nation communities, governments, land planners, developers, contractors, institutions, and private property owners. We have relationships with many Indigenous communities, including Tla’amin Nation, Stz’uminus First Nation, Mowachaht Muchalaht First Nation, Snuneymuxw First Nation, and others.

Archaeology should be considered as early as possible, ideally before design, permitting, construction, or ground disturbance begins. Early planning can reduce delays, avoid unnecessary costs, and identify whether a property or project area may require further assessment.

The preferred option is usually avoidance. If avoidance is not possible, management options may include monitoring, mitigation, or work under a Section 12 Heritage Conservation Act permit. We can help plan the process, coordinate permitted work, and support compliance.

Aquilla uses tools such as 3D laser scanning, photogrammetry, GIS, LiDAR, aerial imagery, and digital modelling to document sites, features, artifacts, and landscapes. These methods can improve records, support analysis, reduce disturbance, and create useful educational resources for communities.