The Fair Field Foundation

June is National Indigenous History Month, a time to recognize the rich history, heritage and diversity of First Nations, Inuit and Métis across Turtle Island 🧡

🗣️ Last week also marked an important anniversary: On June 3, 2019, the Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls was released. This report called for transformative legal and social changes to resolve the crisis of violence against Indigenous women, girls, and Two-Spirit peoples. Let us pause to remember, reflect, and recommit to the ongoing calls for justice.

And today, June 11, marks the National Day of Reconciliation, also known as Remembering the Children Day. It’s a day to honour and remember the more than 150,000 Indigenous children who were taken from their families and placed in residential schools across Canada. It is a solemn reminder of the lasting impacts and a call for all Canadians to commit to meaningful reconciliation.

As archaeologists, we have a responsibility to approach our work with respect and collaboration. We are committed to listening, learning, and supporting Indigenous communities. 🤝 We recognize the importance of truth, reconciliation, and amplifying Indigenous voices in our work and beyond.

Let us stand together in remembrance, solidarity, and action, today and every day! 🫶

Happy Pride Month! 🏳️‍🌈

This month and always, we celebrate and support the incredible diversity within our community and the field of archaeology. We honour the voices, stories, and contributions of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals. Your presence and leadership help shape a more inclusive, innovative, and vibrant future for all in archaeology.

At The Fair Field Foundation, we are committed to creating spaces where everyone feels seen, valued, and empowered to thrive. Let’s continue to uplift one another, challenge barriers, and champion equality, today and every day!

❤️ On Moose Hide Campaign Day, we stand alongside Indigenous communities, survivors, and advocates working to end violence against Indigenous women and children.

As women in archaeology, we recognize the importance of creating spaces rooted in respect, safety, and reconciliation. 🫶 The Moose Hide Campaign reminds us that meaningful change happens through collective action, education, and accountability.

🧡 What began as an Indigenous-led grassroots movement in BC has become a nationwide call for solidarity; uniting people across communities, schools, organizations, and workplaces in the commitment to end gender-based violence.

Today, we wear moose hide in honour of survivors and in support of a future free from violence 🫎

Happy Mother’s Day!💐

We want to show our appreciation for all the moms out there. Whether you’re working full time, part time, a stay-at-home mom, or anywhere in between, we see you and we appreciate you. ❤️

Speaking of working moms, the insights we gathered from our 2023 Mother’s Day panel and blog post, “Parenthood and the Field” still resonate today. Just click the link and give it a read! 📍 https://shorturl.at/kZ5Nx

This Mental Health Week, we’re reflecting on the realities of mental health in archaeology and the importance of coming together as a community 🤝

🧠 Our recent and past panels on the topic of Mental Health in Archaeology highlighted common pressures in the field; self-imposed expectations, instability in seasonal and contract work, fear of unemployment, self-criticism, perfectionism, and the feeling of needing to constantly prove themselves.

Alongside these challenges, we discussed what helps: self-care, setting boundaries, leaning on peers and supervisors, finding stability where we can, and making space for life, hobbies, and joy outside of work ❤️

🫶 As CMHA’s Come Together theme reminds us this week, connection strengthens mental health. Small everyday acts of support can help reduce isolation and build healthier, more sustainable careers in archaeology!

🤩 Huge thank you to all those who stopped by our Women in Archaeology Wine & Cheese event 🧀🍷 at the joint CAA/ASA conference in Canmore, it was great to see so many wonderful and intelligent women together in one room!

❤️ Red Dress Day is a National Day of remembrance and activism, honouring the lives of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S+).

Today we remember, we honour, and we stand with Indigenous communities.

🫂 Each red dress we see is not just a symbol, it represents a life, a story, a family, and a community impacted by loss. This movement began with the REDress Project by Métis artist Jaime Black, and continues through the voices of families, survivors, and communities demanding justice.

Red Dress Day reminds us of the lives taken too soon and the voices that must never be forgotten. Today and always we must stand for justice, in solidarity and remembrance. 🤝

📲 Are you signed up for our quarterly newsletter? The next one's getting sent out in just a couple weeks... sign up to receive it using the link in our bio! don't miss it! 🤩

Each quarter, we provide resources and tools to support your personal and professional growth. We also spotlight a member we’d love for you to connect with! Plus, you’ll get exclusive updates on our virtual and in-person events, such as our panel coming up next month! 📰

⭐️ Got something exciting happening in your area? 👀 Reach out, and we’ll do our best to include it in future issues [email protected]

📍 To stay in-the-know, subscribe to our newsletter 🗞️ https://shorturl.at/A3on4

The theme for Earth Day 2026 is Our Power, Our Planet!

🌱 Mother Earth Day invites us to reflect on the sacred relationship between people and the land, guided by Indigenous knowledge and a shared responsibility to care for the Earth.

Archaeology shows us how human actions have shaped the environment for thousands of years, and how the choices we make today will shape what future generations inherit 🤝

💫 No action is too small when it’s part of something bigger.
Together, let's build a future that protects both people and our planet!

Happy Equality Day! 💫

🤩 April 17th is a day worth celebrating! On this day in 1985, the equality provisions of the Charter of Rights and Freedoms officially came into force, giving all Canadians the legal foundation to challenge discrimination and fight for a fairer society.

What makes this even more meaningful? These protections exist because of the dedicated activism of Canadian women who refused to let equality be overlooked 🧗‍♀️Their voices shaped our Constitution, and that legacy continues to inspire change today. It calls on us to ensure archaeology is a space where all voices are recognized, remembered, and celebrated 🤝

Whether you're celebrating progress or advocating for more, today is a reminder that equality is worth fighting for. 💪 Visit our website to learn more about our ongoing efforts today! 📌 thefairfieldfoundation.com

We have an upcoming event: Women in Archaeology Wine & Cheese🧀🍷

📅 Thursday, May 7, 2026
⏰ 4:00-6:00 PM
📍 Canmore Coast Hotel & Conference Centre
🍷 Complimentary event with light appetizers, wine, and non-alcoholic options
👥 Limited capacity - SOLD OUT

We're hosting our fifth annual gathering at the joint CAA and ASA conference this May, bringing together women and marginalized genders in archaeology for an intimate evening of connection and conversation! 🥂

🤗 We are gathering fellow professionals to share experiences, talk about career paths, celebrate highlights, and chat about the realities of day-to-day life in the field. It’s a welcoming space to connect over shared challenges and wins in the industry. If you've already registered - can't wait to see you there 😉