Helping Communities and Industry to Protect the Past since 1986
Since 1986, Bison Historical Services Ltd. has been providing high-quality Historical Resources consulting to a wide array of development industries throughout Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, British Columbia, and the Northwest Territories. We are a dedicated team of Archaeologists, Palaeontologists, Cultural Resource Managers, and Technical Specialists with over 130 years of combined experience in the Historical Resources approval process. We are keenly aware of our responsibilities as custodians of the past, present, and future. We are committed to making the protection of our collective cultural heritage a cornerstone of our social accountability. It is a promise we make to our clients, our community, and ourselves.
Choose the Bison Advantage
Our team of specialists have international qualifications and project management experience. No matter where your development is located, we will be happy to assist! Our size and experience allows us the flexibility to conduct fieldwork, analysis, and report production to suit our diverse clientele’s specific timelines.
Cutting Edge Approaches
From cloud-based field data collection to drone surveys and 3D photogrammetry, our team of specialists brings leading technology into play in the completion of our projects. Our processes in the field have been created with a specific goal in mind: to bring back the best data available in the most efficient ways possible. Our methods work for the resource, for your approval process, and for your project as a whole.
Working Safely, Every Time
At Bison, we are passionate about the safety of our crews. During the past 11 years we have continuously monitored our industry-driven safe work program, which is specifically designed to reduce the potential for on-the-job injuries. Bison Historical Services Ltd. is COR certified and in full compliance with the safety standards set by ISNetworld and ComplyWorks. Our front-of-mind goal is an injury-free workplace for all employees, in all tasks.
Committed to Diversity and Reconciliation
Bison Historical Services Ltd. is both a Visible-Minority Owned and Women Owned corporation, and our team reflects our commitment to diversity in the workforce. More than half of our current workforce is strengthened by people in recognized equity-deserving groups, including those of diverse ethnicity, Indigenous people, and women. Our VP of Operations, Tommy Ng, is an active participant on committees and panels intended to highlight the contributions of racialized professionals in the field of Archaeology.
Bison Historical Services Ltd. is committed to promoting the recommendations of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and the TRC Calls to Action. We are a proud financial supporter of the Old Sun College Archaeological Field School, a program specifically intended to increase the employability of Indigenous students in the field of Historical Resources Consulting. We have designed and implemented a Skills Enhancement program targeting practical on-the-job training for Indigenous workers local to the communities in which we work. On a project-specific basis, we have committed to hiring practices that have employed Indigenous workers both on and off First Nations lands.
Archaeological Discourse
Our team of specialists is excited to share the results of their work whenever they can, in publications, at conferences, public lectures, and school presentations. In 2015 Bison Historical Services Ltd. established a company-wide Conference Bursary Program to encourage our employees to present the results of consulting-related projects at conferences such as the Archaeological Society of Alberta Annual Meetings, and the Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) Annual Meetings.
“Eagle Engineering is delighted to have forged a longstanding partnership with Bison Historical, spanning numerous major highway projects since 1995. As our preferred historical resources service provider, Bison Historical not only coordinates and organizes Archaeology, Palaeontology and First Nations Consultation services but also ensures the seamless execution of all associated tasks. Led by Sean Goldsmith and his dedicated team, Bison consistently delivers its services with professionalism, thoroughness, and punctuality. We are immensely pleased with the high standards upheld by Bison Historical and look forward to continuing our successful collaboration on future endeavours.”
“…When an ENMAX contractor discovered a bone in an excavation during a complex project, Bison responded immediately: attending the site, reviewing the excavation for other remains and retrieving the bone for analysis. They submitted the required report to Alberta Culture, and clearance to go ahead with construction was obtained within a day and half, which allowed the project to stay on schedule. Exemplary work and cooperation by Bison on this potentially difficult situation!” The Second testimonial for Bison Historical Services was shared by Alison Anaka, M.Sc. Environment Specialist, ENMAX: “…When an ENMAX contractor discovered a bone in an excavation during a complex project, Bison responded immediately…”
Job Opportunities
Check back here for specific seasonal and permanent postings. We are always accepting new resumes; send an email to michelle@bisonhistorical.com to inquire about a career with Bison Historical Services Ltd.
Frequently Asked Questions
Get Started with Bison Historical
We’d love to chat about your next project. Fill out the form below and we will contact you within 48 hours, or visit our contact us page.
