NLAS Code of Ethics
Members of the Newfoundland and Labrador Archaeological Society (NLAS) agree to promote the advancement of archaeology by supporting the organization in its aims to stimulate the interest of the general public in archaeology and to discuss and disseminate archaeological information and ideas according to the NLAS’s ethical principles:

Regarding Stewardship and Accountability:
(i) Members acknowledge an archaeological research permit is required by any person carrying out explorations or making excavations on any land (terrestrial or underwater) for the purpose of seeking archaeological objects. Members have a duty to encourage and support the permitted identification, recording, protection, and effective management of archaeological materials, collections, and established or suspected archaeological sites in Newfoundland and Labrador. Members shall respect the rights of landowners, tenants, lessees, and archaeological permit holders.

Regarding the Value of Archaeological Objects:
(ii) Members shall respect the archaeological objects of all societies and acknowledge the scientific, educational, and cultural significance that such irreplaceable resources hold for all people. Members will not support archaeological objects being bought, sold, traded, or bartered as commercial goods, as it is unethical to establish a commercial value on any archaeological site or object that may lead to its destruction, dispersal, or exploitation.

Regarding the Law:
(iii) Members will act in accordance with the applicable Provincial, Federal, and Aboriginal heritage legislation*, and encourage non-members to do the same. It is illegal to disturb, collect, or remove archaeological objects through survey or excavation without obtaining an archaeology permit. In the spirit of these legislations, a Member agrees to make any archaeological finds (terrestrial and underwater) in his or her possession available for analysis and study by permit-eligible archaeologists.

*Links to legislation regarding archaeology in Newfoundland and Labrador:

Government of Newfoundland and Labrador
Government of Canada
Nunatsiavut Government