Opportunities and obstacles for landowners to conserve Indigenous archaeological heritage on private property: A case study of Xwe'etay/Lasqueti Island, British Columbia

Around the world, Indigenous archaeological heritage (IAH) is being lost, especially on private property. Past studies have indicated collaborative, engaged approaches to conservation on private property can be more successful than top-down regulations, but the particular knowledge, perceptions, and preferences of landowners around IAH conservation has largely been neglected, despite this group's important role. In this study, 33 semi-structured interviews were conducted with landowners on Xwe'etay/Lasqueti Island, British Columbia, who have recorded archaeological sites on their property, to better understand landowners' knowledge and perceptions of IAH and corresponding policies. The findings revealed highly variable knowledge among landowners, widespread concerns about the impacts of IAH sites on private property, and a consistent perception of local engagement and collaboration with the community as more effective than traditional top-down regulations. Increased local engagement offers potential for the conservation of IAH on private property, to address landowner concerns and fill jurisdictional gaps.