Archaeology in Newfoundland and Labrador 1997
Edited by K. Nelmes
Heritage Study for Utshimassit Community Relocation Project, Sango Bay, Labrador, Phase 2
Claude Rocheleau
Introduction
Project context:
n June 1997, Arké os Inc. of Montreal, Quebec was commissioned by the Mushuau Innu Relocation Corporation (MIRC) and the Mushuau Innu Band Council (MIBC) to resume and complete archaeological work undertaken in the summer of 1996. The first phase was carried out between July 8, 1997 and August 1, 1997. It was a follow-up to the archaeological survey and included digs at two smaller sites. The second phase was the archaeological monitoring of construction work at the work camp’s location between September 3 and 17, 1997.
Study Area:
Utshimassit (Davis Inlet) is located on Iluikoyak Island, off the coast of Labrador, approximately 295 km north of Goose Bay and 85 km south of Nain (Figure 1).
The new community at Natuashish will be located on the mainland of Labrador, on the northeast shore of Natuashish (Little Sango Pond), and just north of Shankush (Sango Bay). Natuashish is about 15 km west of Iluikoyak Island.
The main facilities of the Natuashish village are located approximately 500 m from the east shore of Little Sango Pond. Including all activity areas and the infrastructures, the village easily occupies 3 km2. The area’s topography is relatively flat. Vegetation is of average density and there are several deforested and marshy areas.
In addition to the village, archaeological surveys were carried out in several other areas: the landing strip located in a wooded area of average density, bordered to the north by a hill, and south by Sango Brook; an access road slightly longer than 7 km running from the landing strip to the government wharf on Daniel Rattle; 250 m wide activity areas around Little Sango Pond and, finally, a long narrow zone (3 km x 250 m) along Daniel Rattle’s west shore.
In general, the dwelling and activity areas are confined to the south of the mountains, border Little Sango Pond and extend east from the Pond to the marshy areas near Daniel Rattle’s shores. Along Daniel Rattle, occupation areas are seasonal camps.
Figure 1. Map of the study area.
Methodology
Archaeological Survey:
The archaeological survey mainly covered areas affected by development work. Several priority areas had been inventoried by Arké os Inc. in the summer of 1996, and the research was extended to other areas in 1997. The following areas were covered:
- Housing and commercial development area;
- Active recreation areas;
- Seasonal camp areas;
- Access road;
- Sewage treatment area;
- Camp wharf area.
Generally, test pits were chosen in areas with little or no slope and with good drainage. The vegetal cover generally consisted of black spruce and Caledonia moss (caribou moss). Only the sections near the wharf and the gravel pit show outcrops.
Depending on the local topography, test pits were made systematically every ten to fifteen metres, or further apart where the ground was uneven. Test pits ranged between 40 and 50 cm across and their depth rarely exceeded 20 cm. They were first cut through with a shovel, then excavated with a trowel down to a level considered to be sterile, which, in most cases, was layer B of the usual podzol sequence.
Several criteria were used to determine the relative age of occupation sites. This essentially involved identifying morphological characteristics like the condition of tent and stove stakes, as well as their position in the soil and subsoil, the presence of tent fabric, the condition of animal bones, the level of oxidation of metal artifacts, the presence of easily datable objects such as coins, glass bottles, diapers, etc. Information and accounts provided by Davis Inlet community members were added to these data.
Archaeological Excavations:
Two of the three sites discovered in 1996, and which yielded lithic artifacts, were excavated in 1997. These sites are identified by the Borden codes GlCg-7 and GlCg-8.
The GlCg-7 dig excavated a tent foundation (stone) which contained a hearth. In 1996, a dig near the hearth yielded about 40 glass beads. A lithic artifact was also discovered near the structure.
In 1997, a grid (1 m2 parcels) was established to cover the entire stone structure and the 1996 dig which had yielded artifacts.
The purpose of the GlCg-8 dig was to document the activity area identified in 1996 by two test pits that had yielded lithic artifacts. A grid was established to cover all 1996 positive test pits.
Field Results
Housing and Commercial Development Area:
This zone is the location of the future Natuashish village which will include commercial and residential buildings. The zone was covered by 681 test pits. Its edge was only visually inspected because it is very marshy. None of the test pits yielded artifacts. However, three occupation sites (NAT-20, NAT-21 and NAT-23) with 86 housing structures were identified, attesting to a recent and intense occupation.
Active Recreation Areas:
Intensive human activity zones represent important traffic areas around the village and the north and east shores of the Natuashish (Little Sango Pond). The terrain is generally uneven or marshy, which explains the fewer number of test pits excavated. Of a total of 119 test pits, none yielded any artifacts. Only one recent occupation site was identified (NAT-25). However, three recent occupation sites (NAT-9, NAT-10, and NAT-11) identified in 1996 were mapped and additional observations and comments were recorded.
Seasonal Camp Areas:
The seasonal camps are located in two specific areas. The first covers part of the northwest shore of the Natuashish along a spit that advances into the Natuashish. The second extends along Mishta-Shantish (Daniel Rattle). The first zone was surveyed in 1996 and five sites (NAT-1, 2, 3, 4 and 14) were described. The structures were mapped in 1997. Also, a new site (NAT-22) was identified in this sector. None of the 199 test pits excavated yielded any trace of ancient cultures.
Access Road:
This road will link the landing strip, the village and the government wharf. In 1996, four sites were surveyed. These included one prehistoric site (NAT-19 or GlCg-8) and three recent occupation sites (NAT-8, 17, and 18). In 1997, the work included digging site GlCg-8 and systematically documenting recent structures and camps on distribution maps.
Sewage Treatment Area:
The sewage treatment site consists of a 500 by 300 m rectangle located within a swampy area south of a small lake and east of a hill overlooking the Mishta-Shantish. A visual inspection of the area did not justify any test pits because of the swampy nature of the area. Consequently, there was no follow-up on the archaeological work carried out in 1996.
Camp Wharf Area:
The wharf is located on the western bank of the Mishta-Shantish. The area consists of three rocky capes protruding into the straits. The wharf will be built on the middle cape. A prehistoric site that includes a historic component (GlCg-7, formerly designated NAT-6) was discovered on the rocky cape that lies south of the wharf. The 1997 fieldwork included a dig of structure #1 and additional digs around the positive finds of 1996. An area located south of the wharf, beyond the second rocky cape, was chosen to establish the work camp. It was surveyed in the summer of 1997, and a new site (NAT-24) containing 40 recent dwelling structures was found. Two types of structures were identified. Almost all (38 out of 40) are Innu dwellings, while two are Eurocanadian constructions dating back to the early 20th century. The following Borden number has been assigned: GlCg-9 (NAT-24).
- Site NAT-24 (surveyed in 1997)
The site extends over a wooded terrace with cleared areas along the Daniel Rattle. The 38 Innu structures are remnants of rectangular tent structures. They are easily identified by their spruce floor cover, a few poles and some household waste. Their size varies from 2.5-6.1 m in length, to 2.5-4.4 m in width. Some still possess stove and metal fragments. The waste includes caribou bones and other debris associated with domestic activities (i.e. cans, diapers, clothing, etc.).
From the material evidence, the Innu occupation dates back 5 to 10 years. Near structure #13, a test pit yielded over 100 glass beads. The pit was extended to cover 1 m2, and several other test pits were excavated to define the distribution of artifacts. A few bone fragments and pieces of fabric were uncovered. The glass beads were still the main find. Their sizes and colours are generally similar to those found in 1996 at site GlCg-7 (Arké os Inc. 1996:53-54). At this time, it is difficult to date the beads, but it is safe to assume that they were used throughout the 20th century.
Two dwelling structures (i.e. #1 and 9) are associated with Eurocanadian occupation and are identifiable by rims on their perimeter.
- Structure #1
The outline of structure #1 is evident and is characterized by a rectangular sand rim around the structure. Estimated dimensions are 9.8 m along the northeast axis and 4.6 m in the southwest axis. The rim is approximately 30 cm high and covered by grass. The length of the structure could be divided into two parts (i.e. 5.4 and 4.4 m). This partition is indicated by a rim. There are therefore two areas: one at the northern part measuring 5.4 by 4.6 m; the second, on the south part, measuring 4.4 by 4.6 m.
Although less evident, an extension seems to have been added to the north part. It measures 3.8 by 3.9 m. It is identifiable by a low sand bulge.
The structure is mainly characterized by a depression in the north part. The soil was excavated to approximately 80 cm. The depression is located at the centre of the room and could have been used as a food storage cellar.
A 50 cm2 test pit was excavated in the northwestern part of the structure to identify the type of foundation. A piece of lumber was found approximately 25 cm under the surface and could have been part of the structure’s floor. This piece (possibly a beam) rested on a flat stone. A few artifacts were found in the test pit: a triangular metal file, a glass bead, and a 16 calibre cartridge. There was also evidence of burnt wood at the centre of the test pit. According to an informant who lives in Davis Inlet, the structure was his father’s house and he says he was born there and remembers having spent a part of his childhood there. The informant is between 65 and 70 years old, which indicates that the structure is at least 65 years old.
Structure #9 is not as well preserved as structure #1. Its outline is less defined, and is only delineated by approximately half a rectangle which was at least 5.2 m wide in the north-south axis and approximately 11 m long along the east-west axis. The visible rim is 7.2 m long.
There are no depressions inside the structure, nor is there evidence of interior partitions. No test pits were excavated inside the structure or around it. Also according to the informant, this structure had belonged to a Mr. Daniel whose name had been likely used for the eponym Daniel Rattle. The structure may be older than 100 years.
In an interview with two elders from Davis Inlet, we collected additional information. The elders identified structure #1, and said that it is between 40 and 50 years old. They mentioned that the owner was originally from Quebec City. They also confirmed the presence of a grave behind the home, and that the grave is that of the late owner. It is also possible that his wife is buried next to him.
Even if the exact location of the grave is not known, it should be kept in mind that it is located in an area that could be strongly affected by development work, and that the grave may be destroyed. It is therefore deemed advisable that the site be monitored during construction.
Archaeological Excavations:
GlCg-7 Site
Site GlCg-7 is located about 20 m from the shore. Its elevation is a modest 3 m above the water level. The site is located in a small clearing, north of the cape, that slopes gently towards the shore. It includes a dwelling structure discernible as a circular or oval stone pattern with a discontinuous peripheral 10 cm high rim. The exact contour of the structure is not well defined but it seems that the dimensions are 4.3 m long (north-south axis) by 3.3 m wide (east-west axis).
There is a fireplace at the centre of the structure. It measures 1.45 m along the east-west axis and 90 cm along the north-south axis. At one end of the fireplace, a test pit dug in 1996 confirmed its identification (presence of charcoal) and yielded about 40 different coloured glass beads. Another test pit, a few metres northwest of the fireplace, yielded a Ramah quartzite flake in 1996. GlCg-7 also includes a more recent occupation. About 20 m west of structure #1, a group of three tent sites was also found. They are located in a small clearing that connects the west with a wooded area consisting of evergreen trees, and overlooks a swampy area on the north side. One test pit excavated close to the dwellings contained a hyaline quartz flake in 1996.
The GlCg-7 site’s dig consisted of excavating structure #1 which is characterized by a more or less well-defined stone circle and a combustion area. The entire surface was excavated.
The dig clearly showed that the western part of the structure had been excavated. The examination of successive soil levels revealed a rim surrounding this structure. Two artifacts were uncovered in the structure during the dig. One was a small earthenware fragment; the other was a short metal rod most likely used as a stove support.
The combustion area was also completely excavated. All evidence of a fireplace was present: charcoal, burnt wood, rubefied soil, and some (very few) bone remnants. The fireplace had been identified during the 1996 survey (Arké os Inc. 1996). A test pit near a small mound had revealed a few charcoal fragments and about 50 glass beads of different colours.
During the 1996 survey, a Ramah quartzite flake was found in a test pit outside structure #1. This site was expanded to the square metre and excavated. The square metre is 1 m outside the structure, on the west side. The location’s stratigraphy includes a well-grown humus cover resting on beach sand. Two large stones were located in the northwest quadrant of the pit. No other lithic or other artifacts were found.
In conclusion, a 10 m2 area was excavated and yielded only two artifacts, in addition to the glass beads found in 1996. The nature of the artifacts suggests a recent occupation, i.e. less than 50 years.
GlCg-8 Site
North of NAT-18 site is a terrace running east-west at an elevation of 10 m above sea level (a.s.l.). GlCg-8 site is located on the terrace, 4.4 m away from the centre line of the proposed roadway and 2 m away from the incline. The site’s location on the edge of a terrace suggests an observation point. In 1996, one test pit yielded two Ramah quartzite flakes from horizon A1. A second test pit, close to the positive one, yielded one hyaline quartz flake from the greyish horizon.
The 1997 archaeological work was to document the extent of the site through 1 m2 digs around positive test pits excavated in 1996. In all, 8 m2 were excavated to sterile soil. A large cut tree was chosen as a reference point to define the grid. This point is located 28.3 m from the projected road’s centre line, at a 342° angle, at a 60 cm elevation above ground level. A 16 m2 grid was defined to cover the positive test pits excavated in 1996 (Arké os Inc. 1996).
The excavation revealed a pedology typical of a podzol. Under the vegetation cover, a very thin layer of humus (1 to 5 cm) rests on an alluvial grey horizon (2 to 5 cm). Under the alluvial horizon rests a B1 horizon or reddish soil which is generally the sterile level from an archaeological viewpoint. The stratigraphic profiles indicate a relatively flat topography.
All the artifacts were found in the alluvial horizon, and most in test pit 2N 1W (6 flakes), which covers the positive test pit B excavated in 1996 (Arké os Inc. 1996). Test pits 1N 1W and 2N 2W yielded one and two artifacts, respectively. Except for a preform, all other artifacts are flakes. The flakes are small (half are under 1 cm2; the other half are under 4 cm2). Out of the eight flakes, three have a cortex. The material used is almost exclusively Ramah chert. The preform’s main feature is usually a double lateral notch. However, only one notch was observed on one side since the other side had broken off. Its somewhat lamellar shape could be associated with a technology described by Fitzhugh (1972) which is associated with the Charles complex. However, according to the same author, the Charles complex had a very limited geographical distribution in the immediate vicinity of Hamilton Inlet.
The dig’s results seem to indicate that site GlCg-8 may have been a stopping place when its users travelled inland. Its location at the edge of a terrace, along a coastal spit, supports this hypothesis since these geomorphological formations are known to have been used along old travel routes.
Conclusions and Recommendations
GlCg-7 Site Excavation:
The information gathered in the field in 1996 and 1997 suggests that site GlCg-7 was used very sporadically and during very short periods both in prehistoric and more recent times. The results are deemed satisfactory and we don’t believe that any additional archaeological work is required. Therefore, there are no further recommendations for this site.
GlCg-8 Site Excavation:
The information gathered in the field in 1996 and 1997 is deemed satisfactory and we don’t believe that any additional archaeological work is required. Therefore, there are no further recommendations for this site.
1997 Archaeological Survey:
The survey’s purpose was to discover and document new evidence of the territory’s occupation. All areas were covered either by systematic digs, or by the visual examination of locations deemed inappropriate for camps (rough or poorly drained terrain) difficult to explore (swamps).
The test pits were mainly dug in the location mapped out for the new village (and its neighbouring activities), in areas around Natuashish (Little Sango Pond) and in the northern part of Mishta-Shantish (Daniel Rattle) where the trailer camp will be established. A total of 1122 test pits were dug, of which only four yielded artifacts linked to a human occupation. All test pits are at the location of the future trailer camp at Mishta-Shantish (Daniel Rattle). The objects found were glass beads similar to those uncovered in 1996 (see site GlCg-7), canvas pieces, 16 and 44 calibre shells, a file, and bone fragments (probably caribou).
The visual examination was carried out in the eastern portion of the future village’s location, and in the southern part of Mishta-Shantish (Daniel Rattle). The future village’s eastern part and the sewage treatment facility site are very marshy, and it was therefore impossible to dig test pits. Also, the terrain along the Mishta-Shantish (Daniel Rattle) is very rough and characterized by rocky outcrops. This area is difficult to access by sea due to shallow waters.
The survey uncovered five recent Innu occupation sites. In general, these sites appear to be indicative of successive winter occupations. However, these sites also show evidence of intensive occupation since 132 dwelling structures were identified, and it seems that most of them date back to less than 30 years. All discovered sites (including those identified in 1996) were mapped.
Except for the specific recommendation concerning site NAT-24 (i.e. monitoring during construction; see above), no other recommendation is made regarding the development of the Natuashish village. However, if changes are made to the planned developments and if they affect areas not surveyed in 1996 and 1997, we would then recommend that an additional survey be carried out.
References
Arké os Inc.
1996 – “Phase 2 Report on Heritage Study for Utshimassit: Community Relocation Prolect: Sango Bay.” Report on file with Mushuau Innu Band Council.
Fitzhugh, W. W.
1972 – Environmental Archaeology and Cultural Systems in Hamilton Inlet, Labrador: A Survey of the Central Labrador Coast from 3000 B.C. to the Present. Smithsonian Contributions to Anthropology no. 16.