Canada. Communications Canada. Archaeology Resource Management. Access to Archaeology Program : The announcement and creation in February of 1991 of the Access to Archaeology Program was guided by the Government of Canada Archaeological Heritage Policy Framework (1990) and a proposed Act with short title the 'Archaeological Heritage Protection Act.'
The role of the AAP was described as "to provide grants to non-profit non-governmental heritage groups and associations." It contributed to federal objectives by a) enhancing the public's awareness of and access to archaeological heritage, b) encouraging more Aboriginal people to assume direct responsibility for archaeological resources, c) supporting archaeological research and site development.
Five granting components were originally listed:
1. Public Awareness
2. Collections Placement
3. Aboriginal Training
4. Research Studies
5. Feasibility Studies
However, by 1993 reference to 'supporting archaeological research and site development,' along with the Collections Placement, Research Studies, and Feasibility Studies was removed from AAP's literature. Aboriginal Training in Archaeological Resource Management and Public Awareness became the 2 granting components. The program was shut down in 1994, which may have been due to the archaeology program being transferred to the Department of Canadian Heritage (established 1994).
AAP interacted with the Department of Communications' Regional Museum Consultants in the Regional Offices. The regional offices acted as the 'post office' for the program, handing out and receiving applications from clients and informing clients of deadline dates. AAP also consulted with provincial and federal departments on individual grant applications because of regulatory issues with respect to archaeology permits and the need to have permits in place in some jurisdictions before grants could be obtained.
The annual grant budget for AAP was $700,000 which was divided amongst the granting components. Caps for grants fluctuated by year, but did not exceed $35,000.
A large number of applications over the years of the program's existence came from Native bands. Small heritage organizations and museums made up the rest of the applicants.
