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Canada's most famous archaeological sites and their history
Discover the most famous archaeological sites in Canada through this article. We reveal their story to you!
Archaeological sites in Canada: Vestiges of the past
Archaeological sites in Canada are numerous. In all, there are more than 9,000 of them. Due to their strong heritage value, these sites are an integral part of the cultural wealth of the country. We'll show you some of them.
Archaeological sites of Pointe-du-Buisson
Located on the waters of Lake Saint-Louis, Pointe-du-Buisson was a very busy place during the pre-contact period. In fact, Native American populations settled there to carry out portaging, but also other activities.
A place for short stops, the archaeological site of Pointe-du-Buisson was also a fishing site for residents of the time. This marine wealth made the place a key area and quickly, more and more people began to invest the place.
For information, the Pointe-du-Buisson archaeological site has been inhabited by human groups for more than 5,000 years.
Furthermore, the first archaeological interventions began in the 1960s. They were carried out by the Society of Prehistoric Archeology of Quebec. Through these interventions, the country was able to identify five major archaeological sites. An invaluable discovery which gave the place even more value.
After this great discovery, the University of Montreal set up a training program on the archaeological site. For around twenty years, professors and students have examined its soil in search of vestiges. Ultimately, their research led to the discovery of 10 new archaeological sites.
Pointe-du-Buisson therefore has 17 archaeological sites. They also contain a large number of artifacts and are among the best documented sites in Canada.
However, the first populations of the archaeological site did not leave a great legacy. In fact, they are only given around ten artifacts among the millions found there.
Indeed, it is mainly the groups of humans who lived there during the so-called archaic period who left important remains. Very active, they allowed Canadian archaeologists to make major discoveries such as the identification of a multi-family dwelling with three households.
The remains left by these inhabitants also made it possible to collect information concerning their way of life. According to what archaeologists were able to find at the site, they lived by fishing and hunted for food.
Finally, archaeological excavations have also led to the discovery of fishing camps. According to the data shared by the researchers, the said camps date from the “Late Woodland” period.
The countryside discovered on the site belonged to the Iroquoians of the St. Lawrence. It is an ancient Native American nation which, to this day, no longer exists. According to archaeologists, the Iroquoians frequented the villages surrounding Pointe-du-Buisson. To survive, they ate fish that they caught on the site.
The Lawson Archaeological Site
Like the archaeological sites of Pointe-du-Buisson, the Lawson site was also frequented by neutral Iroquoians. According to the data, this population lived there around the beginning of the 16th century.
For information, the first archaeological excavations which took place on the Lawson site were commissioned by William Wintemberg. Thanks to extensive research, the archaeologist was able to identify essential information about the territory's past.
However, archaeologists had already identified the area since the 16th century. But for some unspecified reason, no excavation took place until William Wintemberg got involved.
The first to recognize the potential of the Lawson site was Dr. Solon Woolverton. This geology professor at the University of Western Ontario knew that the site had important remains and that excavations were absolutely necessary. A few years later, William Wintemberg became active. He began to do research, and eventually demonstrated that Solon Woolverton was indeed right.
From archaeologists Also to have worked on the Lawson archaeological site is David Boyle. We owe him in particular the first formal description of the place. Indeed, it is thanks to his research that the resources contained in the territory have been better defined.
Then there was Rowland B, his successor. Driven by the desire to better understand the Lawson site, the latter continued his work. He then made it possible to make interesting discoveries, detailing the less precise information shared by his predecessor.
The Lawson site was also studied by Wilfrid Jury. In 1933, after completing his research, the archaeologist founded the Museum of Indian Archeology and Pioneer Life. An establishment which was then redeveloped in 1981.
In terms of its value, Lawson is today one of the best documented archaeological sites in Canada. Moreover, it was the first to be designated at the provincial level under the Archaeological and Historic Sites Protection Act.
The archaeological sites of Igloolik Island
Designated historic place National Museum of Canada in 1978, the archaeological sites of Igloolik Island present impressive archaeological sequences. Since the first excavations carried out on the site, a large number of remains have been discovered. Which places it among the most complete territories in the Arctic.
According to the data collected, the archaeological sites of Igloolik Island have served as a wintering place for human populations for more than 4,000 years. Thanks to the abundance of marine mammals they contain, they constitute a shelter of choice to brave the cold season.
For information, these territories also served as a military base for the fifth Thule expedition.
Furthermore, it was the peoples of the Arctic who first settled on the archaeological sites of Igloolik Island. Present for thousands of years, they have found a true haven of peace there.
In addition, the archaeological remains discovered through research have shed light on their way of life. According to data recorded by archaeologists, the first populations of the Igloolik Island sites lived by hunting and fishing.
The region was then occupied by the Dorsets and Thules. Attracted by the resources of the territory, they developed there by operating in the same way. That is to say by living from hunting and fishing. These people have taken up residence on the Igloolik Island sites to also benefit from the advantages that the place offers.
In 1800, Edward Parry set up a winter camp at the sites. While searching for a westward passage through the Arctic, the explorer came across the island's Inuit population.
More than a century later, Knud Rasmussen did the same. After coming into contact with the island's population, he established a base camp in the area. That of the fifth Thule expedition which took place from 1921 to 1924. Note that this expedition allowed them to make great discoveries.
Several elements make Igloolik Island a place with strong heritage value. Among these elements, its particular geographical location. The Igloolik Island archaeological sites indeed enjoy an ideal location. Thanks to its raised beaches, they offer a habitat of choice for the populations who live there.
But it's not just the location, the Igloolik Island sites are also important because of the remains they contain. Indeed, despite the numerous research carried out across the different sectors of the place, there is still much to discover about it.
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