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Benefits of Joining the BCAPA
The Association welcomes applications from qualified applicants. Benefits of membership include:
- Access to the BCAPA newsletter that includes membership updates and articles on important issues in BC archaeology;
- Access to news, surveys, and other communications through the members only email distribution list;
- Job listings at reduced member rates;
- Group rates on home and travel insurance with Johnson Insurance;
- Discounted membership with our affiliated archaeological societies, see Affiliations;
- Educational and professional workshops at reduced member rates;
- Advertising and promotion on the website;
- Networking opportunities with members and their affiliated companies and institutions; and
- Opportunities to voice your heritage concerns and lobby government agencies.
Are you applying as a new member?
Click on the membership types above to learn more about each, and fill in the appropriate application form.
Are you renewing your membership?
A renewal form must be completed along with your payment. CLICK HERE TO RENEW NOW.
About our memberships
Membership in the BC Association of Professional Archaeologists is restricted to archaeologists, archaeological managers, and related professionals practicing archaeology in British Columbia, as well as students studying archaeology. Individuals interested in applying for membership should review the Bylaws, Constitution & Policies of the Association prior to submitting a membership application.
Several classes of membership are available, including Student , Affiliate, Intern, Associate and Professional. A Leave-of-Absence category is also available. Criteria for each type of membership are outlined below. Additional application details, including submission instructions, are explained on the application forms.
BCAPA Bylaws state that only the Directors of the Association can accept new members. The Membership Committee receives and reviews applications, checks references, obtains any additional information that may be required in order to review an application, and then forwards a recommendation for acceptance or rejection of an application to the Directors. The Directors then review the recommendation of the Committee and inform the Committee of their decision. The Committee then informs the applicant of the Directors’ decision. A person becomes a member as of the date the Directors accept an application. If you have any questions regarding the membership application process, please contact the Chair of the Membership Committee.
If you are interested in BC archaeology, and want more information on how to become involved in the discipline as a lay person, please contact the Archaeological Society of British Columbia.
Student Member
Download Application
A Student Member is a Non-Voting Member of the Society. A Student Member is a member of the Society who is enrolled in an archaeological field of study but who does not meet the eligibility criteria for other membership categories. A person who meets the following criteria is eligible for membership in the Society as a Student Member:
- is currently enrolled in a degree-granting institute in a course program leading to a degree in archaeology or an archaeology-related field;
- provides a photocopy of their current student ID, or a letter from a recognized official at the institution that can confirm their status as a student in good standing.
Intern Member
Download Application
An Intern Member is a Non-Voting Member of the Society. A person who meets the following criteria is eligible for membership in the Society as an Intern Member:
- is engaged either seasonally, part-time, or full-time as an archaeologist;
- has a post-secondary degree in archaeology or anthropology with a specialty in archaeology, or an equivalent combination of documented archaeological training, analysis, and technical writing experience which meets the qualities and standards of the Society; has 1 month of archaeological experience, in British Columbia; and,
- can provide one Professional Member of the Society as a reference, who is knowledgeable about the applicant’s general qualifications and experience and will provide a reference for the applicant.
Affiliate Member
Download Application
An Affiliate Member is a Voting Member of the Society. A person who meets the following criteria is eligible for membership in the Society as an Affiliate Member:
- is engaged either seasonally, part-time, or full-time employment that supports the discipline of archaeology or the heritage sector of British Columbia;
- has a post-secondary degree in archaeology or anthropology with a specialty in archaeology, a degree or certificate from a related or supporting discipline with relevant work experience within the heritage sector, has successfully completed at least one Resource Information Standards Committee course in archaeology, or an equivalent combination of documented archaeological training and experience which meets the qualities and standards of the Society;
- has one year experience in archaeology and/or that supports the discipline of archaeology, including experience in British Columbia;
- can provide one Professional Member of the Society as a reference, who is knowledgeable about the applicant’s general qualifications and experience and will provide a letter of support for the applicant.
Associate Member
Download Application
An Associate Member is a Voting Member of the Society who is engaged in the practice of archaeology, but who does not meet the eligibility criteria for a Professional Member. A person who meets the following criteria is eligible for membership in the Society as an Associate Member:
- is engaged either part-time or full-time as an archaeologist;
- has a post-secondary degree in archaeology or anthropology with a specialty in archaeology, or an equivalent combination of documented archaeological training, analysis, and technical writing experience which meets the qualities and standards of the Society;
- has one year of archaeological experience, including archaeological experience in British Columbia;
- has made a contribution to an archaeological publication or report which meets the qualities and standards of the Society;
- has a demonstrable understanding of all relevant legislation;
- can provide one Professional Member of the Society as a reference, who is knowledgeable about the applicant’s general qualifications and experience and will provide a reference for the applicant
Professional Member (RPCA)
Download Application
A Professional Member is a Voting Member of the Society. A Professional Member who meets the following criteria is eligible for membership in the Society as a Professional Member:
- is engaged either part-time or full-time as an archaeologist;
- has a post-secondary degree in archaeology or anthropology with a specialty in archaeology, or an equivalent combination of documented archaeological training, analysis, and technical writing experience which meets the qualities and standards of the Society;
- has three years of archaeological experience, including two years of archaeological experience in British Columbia;
- is the primary author of an archaeological publication or report which meets the qualities and standards of the Society;
- has a demonstrable understanding of all relevant legislation;
- has held in their own name and successfully completed the requirements of a permit issued pursuant to the Heritage Conservation Act;
- has a demonstrable ability to direct and supervise in the field an archaeological survey or excavation;
- has a demonstrable ability to meet and liaise with clients, First Nations, and government agencies;
- can provide two Professional Members of the Society as references, who are knowledgeable about the applicant’s general qualifications and experience and will provide references for the applicant.
Leave-Of-Absence
Voting Members who intend to temporarily stop working as an archaeologist in British Columbia, or for other reasons, can be granted a leave-of-absence membership. Such members do not have voting privileges during this period, but are entitled to other membership benefits as determined by the Board. The requirements are as follows:
- Any Voting Member in good standing who wishes to withdraw temporarily from the Association must make written application to the Board, giving reasons satisfactory to the committee and directors. Notification of the leave-of-absence must be accepted by the Board before it becomes effective. Within a period of five years from the granting of the leave of absence, any member in good standing will be reinstated upon written notice to the Board and payment of applicable membership dues.
- If five or more years have passed without the member applying for reinstatement, the person shall no longer be a member in good standing and must make a new membership application to the Society.
Retirement Leave of Absence
Voting Members in good standing who have retired from their work as an archaeologist in British Columbia can be granted a leave-of-absence membership. Such members do not have voting privileges during this period, but are entitled to other membership benefits as determined by the Board. The requirements are as follows:
- The Member must have retired from their work as an archaeologist in British Columbia with the intent that the retirement be permanent;
- the Member must make written application to the Board, for a Retirement Leave of Absence and notification of the leave-of-absence must be accepted by the Board before it becomes effective;