Chartered Institute for Archaeologists 2020

YEARBOOK and DIRECTORY 2020 | 5 Since being appointed as Deputy Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism in Wales in 2017, it has been my privilege to meet many of the archaeological, historical and heritage professionals who investigate, manage and protect our shared cultural heritage. I have visited excavations, museums and heritage organisations throughout Wales and have never ceased to be impressed by the commitment, passion and enthusiasm that I encounter. I was therefore delighted to be given this opportunity to contribute to the Chartered Institute for Archaeologists yearbook. For me, archaeology is not a marginal activity, it contributes directly to the Welsh Government’s objectives and vision. I am proud that the historic environment supports all four themes of our national strategy, Prosperity for All, by helping to deliver a more prosperous, active, learning and united nation. As the physical manifestation of Wales’s cultural heritage, the historic environment is a precious inheritance that we must care for and pass on to our children to love, cherish and enjoy. In 2018 I published my Priorities for the Historic Environment which outlined my vision for how Wales can build on the great strides of recent years in caring for our irreplaceable historic sites. These have included the delivery of our own legislation for the protection and management of the historic environment – the Historic Environment (Wales) Act 2016 and the creation of the Historic Wales partnership of core national bodies. Amongst other measures, the new Act provided a statutory basis for Historic Environment Records in Wales managed by the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts, recognising the importance of those records in supporting decision-making at both local and national level. I am delighted that CIfA’s national standards and guidance continue to ensure that we collectively obtain the maximum information possible about the past by emphasising the obligation to record, publish and deposit archives. Looking to the future I recognised the need for us to support skills development within the sector to ensure that we continue to have the skilled professional workforce to investigate, manage and care for our heritage. I am pleased that the development and support of archaeological skills is a continuing priority for CIfA and I anticipate further work on this in Wales. Also important to me is action to encourage more and wider public engagement. I recognise the benefits that active participation in archaeology can bring for communities and individuals, including excluded groups. As Deputy Minister, I have had the opportunity to visit many projects where archaeologists are working alongside communities. One example is the Unloved Heritage? project which comprises a partnership of archaeological bodies, led by Cadw and including the four Welsh Archaeological Trusts and the Royal Commission on the Ancient and Historical Monuments of Wales. This is working with young people across Wales, finding innovative ways for them to engage with their local archaeology and heritage. These range from traditional PREFACE archaeological excavation and recording to creating virtual 3D worlds. It is my hope that projects such as this, will inspire a whole new generation of future archaeologists. As I write this we have entered an unprecedented emergency brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. All of our energy at the moment is rightly focused on facing the challenges brought about by the crisis. Cadw is leading on the sectoral response to the COVID-19 virus by determining the impact of the pandemic on the historic environment in Wales. Among other things it is signposting archaeological organisations and contractors to the business support mechanisms available from the Welsh and UK Governments. We need to protect the sector because of the important economic value of the historic environment to Wales. I believe that the unique and rich heritage of Wales has the potential to lead us in our future recovery. Our historic assets are essential components of our landscapes, townscapes and contribute to our Sense of Place. They are also core to our tourism industry, and to promoting Wales as a unique place for inward investment and as a very special place in which to live and work. Crucially, the historic environment is at the heart of our well-being goals and our sense of pride as a nation. In Wales, 2020–21 was to be our Year of Outdoors, to which archaeological fieldwork and community engagement lends itself admirably. Many projects had been lined up. Sadly, with restrictions on personal movement and social distancing in place for at least the short term, the challenge now is for archaeologists instead to use their knowledge, data and creativity to communicate the past virtually to people’s living rooms and so inspire and sustain a passion for our shared past. The case studies in this volume illustrate ways to do this, but we must also consider how to reach those without ready access to the internet. At this time where we find ourselves facing unprecedented measures to combat the current pandemic, archaeology can give us a unique time depth and perspective. It can bring communities together and help us to understand change. It can be used to provide education and to support personal and economic well- being. In my view, the role of the professional archaeologist is to facilitate this, to ensure that our material inheritance of the past is respected, not unduly harmed and survives to inspire, inform and delight future generations. Lord Elis-Thomas AM, the Minister for Culture, Sport and Tourism