Our Mission

The Society's objectives are:

1) to promote the study of Olmec, Maya, Teotihuacano, Aztec, and other Pre-Columbian cultures in Latin America;

2) to provide a network of Canadian archaeologists (including students, professionals, and independent learners) for the exchange discoveries and work;

3) to assist Canadian archaeologists currently studying or working within the countries of Latin America by establishing scholarly relationships between institutions;

and

4) to present contemporary research on the ancient cultures of Latin America and opportunities to the general public through educational lectures, events, and outreach as a scholarly society.

PAST

The Canadian Society for Mesoamerican Studies (CSMS) was founded in 1992 as a not-for profit corporation by a collective of enthusiastic Mesoamericanists within the country to provide a place of resources and education about the area.

In 2017, CSMS society was revived due to the combined efforts of one of the society's founders, Dr. Stan Loten, and Ms. Kathryn Florence. Under a new Board of Directors, the society rebranded as the Canadian Latin American Archaeology Society (CLAAS). We are expanding, creating, and connecting like never before.

FUTURE

The field is still ripe for discovery and exploration. We hope to reinvigorate the study of these ancient cultures and their lingering influence on present Latin American society.

Once a sufficient membership is gathered, we hope to facilitate discourse and exchange through an annual conference, which would include lectures and poster session presentations. Keep in touch by joining as we strive to make this a reality.