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Janna

From: Angela Plautz [[email protected]] Sent: Thursday, April 14, 2005 8:24 AM To: [email protected] Cc: [email protected] Subject: FW: Phone Log & Archaeological Reports

Hello,

As discussed with Steve Ellis yesterday, please find attached the phone logs and archaeological information for Land Use Permit amendment application MV2003C0023 and Land Use Permit Application MV2005C0010. (Please note as per Mr. Paterson’s email below, the final copy of Mr. Thomson’s Archaeological Report has been filed with the Prince of Wales Heritage Museum.)

If you require further information, please contact me.

Angela

Angela Plautz

Regulatory Officer

Mackenzie Valley Land and Water Board

Phone: (867) 669-0506

Fax: (867) 873-6610

-----Original Message----- From: [email protected] [mailto:[email protected]] Sent: Wednesday, April 13, 2005 5:55 PM To: Angela Plautz Subject: Phone Log & Archaeological Reports

Angela, As discussed on the telephone this date, please find attached copies of Snowfield's Telephone Log dated April 12, 2005, the Final Draft of Calum Thomson's Archaeological Report and his interim helicopter reconnaissance report for the Wire, GTen 16 and Fate Claims. As discussed, please be advised that Mr. Thomson advises that he has filed the final report with the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. I trust that this information satisfies your request. Should further information be required, please contact me by e-mail or telephone. Regards,

Robert Paterson President Snowfield Development Corp (B)604.681.5720

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(D)604.658.3240

4/22/2005 Preliminary report on archaeological reconnaissance of mineral exploration claim blocks east of Drybones Bay, NT Report prepared for Snowfield Development Corp., Vancouver Report prepared by Callum Thomson, Thomson Heritage Consultants, Calgary August 12, 2004-08-12

At the request of Mike Beauregard, project geologist with Snowfield Development Corp., a preliminary reconnaissance was undertaken on August 10, 2004, of the WIRE, GTEN- 16 and FATE-1 claim blocks. Research at the Canadian Museum of Civilization Sites Office indicates that there are no known archaeological sites in the vicinity of the claim blocks (L. Johanis, pers. comm. 2004). The field reconnaissance was covered under the terms and provisions of NWT Archaeologists Permit 2004-955. The claim blocks were accessed using a Bell-206 helicopter from Nunasi Helicopters, with Rachel Crapeau, Mike Beauregard and Callum Thomson comprising the field party. This brief report is provided as an addendum to the Interim Report on archaeological investigations between Drybones Bay and Matonabbee Bay conducted in July, 2004 (Thomson 2004). A final report in progress will include the results of both projects.

WIRE Claim The WIRE claim area is located on two shallow ponds 6 km east northeast of Drybones Bay. The area surrounding the ponds is predominantly bedrock with some open sandy pine forest. Both of these environments have some archaeological potential. Flat bedrock outcrops in this region commonly contain boulder features such as hide drying rings, tent rings, birchbark presses and toboggan presses. Quartz veins are also frequently found on these outcrops and occasionally show signs of having been exploited by people in the precontact period for stone tool-making material. The open pine forest is the type of location where trapping or hunting camps might be situated, especially in the vicinity of lakes and rivers. We checked several outcrops between the two ponds, finding some quartz veins but no archaeological features; the potential for boulder features is probably higher closer to Drybones Bay and the long lake immediately east of the ponds. We also inspected several other outcrops from the air, but noted no archaeological features. We walked part of an existing logging or mineral exploration access trail which runs between the two ponds and presumably terminates in Drybones Bay. We found nothing of archaeological interest. If this trail follows a former dog team trail, it might be expected that camps related to trapping and travel would be situated at Drybones Bay and on a large lake a day’s travel to the east, i.e., much further east than the WIRE claim ponds.

The proposed drilling programme will take place exclusively on ice within the boundaries of the two ponds (M. Beauregard, pers. comm. 2004). Access will be gained to the drill site via the existing logging or exploration trail from Drybones Bay. It is therefore highly unlikely that any archaeological or historic sites will be disturbed by the proposed drill programme or winter access, and no further archaeological assessment is considered necessary. However, if the exploration programme expands away from the ponds or travel to the claim block is undertaken in the summer months, an archaeological assessment should be undertaken, focusing on the access route, bedrock outcrops, and open pine forest around the ponds or elsewhere in the claim block where exploration activity may take place.

GTEN-16 Claim The GTEN-16 Claim block is located 14 km east northeast of the east end of Drybones Bay at the west end of a 4 km long lake and several small adjacent ponds. The main drilling activity will take place on the lake ice and on two small adjacent ponds. The lake and ponds are situated in an environment similar to that at the WIRE Claim, described above, and have the same moderate potential for the presence of archaeological and historic sites. Access to the drill sites will be gained by helicopter, with no planned disturbance on land (M. Beauregard, pers. comm. 2004). The long lake is on the same system of lakes that run between Drybones Bay and Hearne Lake, so might have slightly higher potential for the presence of trapping- or travel-related camps from the traditional period than the WIRE Claim area, but again, such sites are more likely to be located at Hearne Lake, just 10 km to the northeast and 25 km from Drybones Bay, and at Watta Lake and Harding Lake, both less than 30 km from Drybones Bay.

As with the WIRE Claim, it is highly unlikely that any archaeological or historic sites will be disturbed by the proposed drill programme at the GTEN-16 Claim or winter helicopter access, and no further archaeological assessment is considered necessary. However, if the exploration programme expands away from the lake and ponds or travel to the claim block is undertaken over land trails in the summer months, an archaeological assessment should be undertaken, focusing on the access route, bedrock outcrops, and open pine forest around the lake and ponds or elsewhere in the claim block where exploration activity may take place.

FATE-1 Claim The FATE-1 claim is located on Defeat Lake, a large body of water 20 km northeast of Drybones Bay. Rachel Crapeau thought that the lake’s name derived from a historic battle which took place in this area (R. Crapeau, pers. comm. 2004). The exploration activity will involve drilling on the lake ice, with winter access by helicopter (M. Beauregard, pers. comm. 2004). The margin of the lake in the vicinity of the anomaly, i.e., on the east side of the lake, is mostly high bedrock. As with the other two locations inspected, the vicinity of the FATE-1 Claim at Defeat Lake has some archaeological potential and, apparently, some historic interest associated with its name. There is a small fishing lodge on the southeast side of the lake and a stack of drill core boxes indicates that there has been some previous exploration activity around the lake.

It is highly unlikely that any archaeological or historic sites will be disturbed by the proposed drill programme or winter helicopter access, and no further archaeological assessment is considered necessary. However, if the exploration programme expands away from the lake or travel to the claim block is undertaken via land trails in the summer months, an archaeological assessment should be undertaken, focusing on the access route, bedrock outcrops, and open pine forest around the lake or elsewhere in the claim block where exploration activity may take place.

In conclusion, the preliminary helicopter reconnaissance of the proposed drilling locations within the WIRE, FATE-1 and GTEN-16 claim blocks indicates that all three areas have moderate potential for archaeological and historic sites, but the proposed winter drilling activities and means of access will not affect any areas where such sites may be located. It is recommended, therefore, from the perspective of historic resource management, that the proposed drill programmes at the WIRE, FATE-1 and GTEN-16 claim blocks be approved. In the event that exploration activities extend beyond those areas on lake ice described above, or summer access by land trail is considered, an archaeological field assessment should be undertaken prior to any disturbance on land. Research should also be conducted to discover the history and significance of the name Defeat Lake.

Reference Cited Thomson, Callum. 2004. Interim report on an archaeological assessment of exploration claim blocks between Drybones Bay and Matonabbee Bay, Great Slave Lake, NT. Report prepared for Snowfield Development Corp., Vancouver, BC. Class 2 Permit No. NWT 2004-955. 8 p.

Personal Communications Mike Beauregard, Snowfield Development Corp., Yellowknife Rachel Crapeau, Land and Environment Committee, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah

DRAFT FINAL REPORT TO

SNOWFIELD DEVELOPMENT CORP. 100-1009 EXPO BOULEVARD VANCOUVER, BC V6Z 2V9 and YELLOWKNIVES DENE FIRST NATION LAND AND ENVIRONMENT COMMITTEE P.O. BOX 2514 YELLOWKNIFE, NT X1A 2P8

ARCHAEOLOGICAL INVESTIGATIONS, GREAT SLAVE LAKE, NORTHWEST TERRITORIES

PROJECT NO.: THC2004-5/THC2004-13 NWT PERMIT 2004-955

Prepared by:

Callum Thomson Thomson Heritage Consultants 26 Hutton Place SW Calgary, AB T2V 3B6 Tel: (403) 212-1360 E-mail: [email protected]

December 30, 2004 Permit: NWT 2004-955

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

In July and August, 2004, a preliminary archaeological field inventory and assessment was conducted over a total of sixteen survey days under permit NWT 2004-955 issued to Callum Thomson in four project areas on the north shore of Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories. The objective of the project was to expand from the inventory of heritage resources begun in 2003 in the Drybones Bay area to a broader study area between Taltheilei Narrows and the North Arm, and to assess the effects on local heritage resources of past, present and proposed mineral exploration by Snowfield Development Corp. around Drybones Bay. Participants included Callum Thomson, Mike Beauregard of Snowfield Development Corp., and Elders and other members of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation.

A total of 118 cultural heritage sites from the prehistoric, historic and contemporary periods were found during the four phases of field work. All new sites found were photographed and documented, including the acquisition of coordinates by GPS, and each site’s extent and significance was estimated. Several sites previously recorded by William Noble in 1966-1969, Tom Andrews in 1993 and 2002 and others were also revisited and additional information collected.

The results of these surveys clearly show that there is great potential for the discovery of archaeological and other heritage sites in the vicinity of Great Slave Lake, and that this heritage extends back over several millennia. It seems evident that much of the coastline between Taltheilei Narrows on the East Arm and the west side of the North Arm of Great Slave Lake has been occupied by aboriginal peoples for several hundred and most likely several thousand years, and continues to be used by Yellowknives Dene and others for hunting, trapping, fishing, recreation, travel and other pursuits, and today also by mineral exploration, mining, and other commercial interests through staking, exploration sampling and aggregate extraction. While these objectives may not be compatible in some cases, little evidence was found of any disturbance or potential for disturbance of heritage resources in the Snowfield project area, at least at this stage of the project.

During the less extensive but more intensive surveys around Drybones Bay in 2003, it was concluded that the large number of sites (63) found during surveys which were more often directed by information received from the Elders than on intuitive research objectives or controlled surveys by the archaeological team indicates that the density of sites in the area between Wool Bay and Matonabbee Bay, and especially at Drybones Bay, can be expected to be higher than the present 69 (including Tom Andrews’s original four sites, and Old Fort Providence). In 2004, an additional 43 sites were found in the area between the south side of Drybones Bay and the north side of Matonabbee Bay, supporting this conclusion.

In 2003, the potential for disturbance of some sites by exploration and mining around Drybones bay was considered to be at least moderate. However, during the five days of surveys along Snowfield’s winter access trails, cut lines, drill sites, former and proposed exploration camps and areas of proposed intensive winter exploration, little evidence was

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 found of any previous or likely future disturbance at this stage of exploration. It is likely, though, that any intensification of exploration activities and the potential for development of mines and mine infrastructure will put known sites and as yet unknown sites at risk, without appropriate research and mitigation.

During the two phases of survey with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, 75 new sites were recorded, including 10 precontact lithic scatter sites on the west side of the North Arm, some of which had evidently been disturbed by sand and gravel excavations. Several additional sites had been affected by construction and use of recreational cabins, and the fishing lodge and an airstrip at Taltheilei Narrows.

The success of these surveys in 2003 and 2004 indicates that, before any intensive exploration activities are permitted in the vicinity of Great Slave Lake, extensive, research-oriented surveys with full participation in the planning and implementation by members of the YKDFN and other interested parties should be conducted, and all areas likely to be disturbed by exploration and development should be thoroughly assessed. Areas of particular importance for additional investigation during the current period of interest by mineral exploration companies include the parts of the coastline and islands between Wool Bay and Matonabbee Point that have not yet been surveyed, traplines and other travel routes into the interior, and the many peninsulas, islands and bays between Taltheilei Narrows and the North Arm that have not yet been surveyed.

Snowfield Development Corp. Mike Beauregard, Project Geologist, Field Guide, Yellowknife Dave Smith, Boat Rental, Yellowknife Rachel Ann Crapeau, Participant in Helicopter Survey and Logistical Coordinator for Yellowknives Dene First Nation Projects, Dettah

Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee Elders Alfred Baillargeon, Dettah Mike Francis, Dettah Modeste Sangris, Dettah Peter Sangris, Dettah

Field Participants, Boat Driver Paul MacKenzie, Dettah Morris Martin, Dettah

Other Informants Fred Sangris, Dettah Grant Nolan, Plummer’s Lodge

Archaeological Permit Holder Callum Thomson, Thomson heritage Consultants, Calgary

Report Preparation Callum Thomson, Thomson Heritage Consultants, Calgary

Between July 3-8, July 21-25, August 3-9 and on August 10 archaeological field investigations were conducted under permit NWT 2004-955 issued to Callum Thomson on the north coast of Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories. The objectives of the project were two-fold: to assess the potential for negative effects from mineral exploration by Snowfield Development Corp. (Snowfield) on their claim blocks around Drybones Bay and in the interior around Defeat Lake, and to continue the surveys of areas traditionally used by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN) on the East Arm and North Arm of Great Slave Lake.

2.0 METHODOLOGY

The assessment of potential effects of mineral exploration activities on heritage resources around Drybones Bay began with a review of the report Preliminary Archaeological Inventory and Assessment of Mineral Exploration and Aggregate Extraction in the Vicinity of Drybones Bay and Wool Bay, Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories prepared in 2003 for the YKDFN (Thomson 2004a). An application for a field research permit was submitted to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) to acquire permission for the proposed field research on the Snowfield claim blocks, and the permit (2004-955) was issued on May 21, 2004. Details on previous and proposed mineral exploration activities were received from Mike Beauregard, Snowfield’s Project Geologist, and plans were made to begin the field investigation in early July.

In late June, a request was received from Rachel Crapeau, Coordinator of the Land and Environment Committee of the YKDFN, to resume the survey on the north shore of Great Slave Lake initiated in 2003. A request was sent on July 10 to the PWNHC for an amendment to the 2004-955 permit to cover the additional survey area, and the amendment was approved on July 16. Site forms were obtained from the PWNHC for sites previously recorded in the new study areas on the north side of the East Arm and the south end of the North Arm of Great Slave Lake.

The first field visit began with an aerial survey of the Snowfield project area in an Air Tindi Cessna 185 on July 3. Snowfield had invited an elder from the YKDFN to join us, but the elder was unable to participate. The field team then travelled back to the Drybones Bay area by boat on July 4 and set up a field camp on a converted fishing boat owned by Dave Smith, anchored in the shelter of the Beniah Islands (shown on the NTS map as Cabin Islands but known to the Yellowknives Dene as Beniah Islands), 6 km southeast of the mouth of Drybones Bay. For the next five days pedestrian surveys focused on areas of previous planned future disturbance within the Snowfield claim blocks between Drybones Bay and Matonabbee Bay.

On July 21, the first phase of the continuing survey for the YKDFN began. The field team travelled in two small boats about 200 km from Dettah to Taltheilei Narrows in the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, and worked our way back to Gros Cap over the next four days. On August 3, the YKDFN survey resumed with more intensive work east of Gros

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Cap, after which we transferred our attention to the North Arm, conducting surveys on the east side northwest of Yellowknife Bay and the west side between Whitebeach Point and Alexander Point, before returning to Yellowknife on August 9. In the afternoon, the author and Rachel Crapeau visited Elder Philip Goulet to obtain some information about sites and land use in the Goulet Bay area east of Gros Cap.

On August 10, a helicopter survey of several interior claim blocks was undertaken for Snowfield with Mike Beauregard and Rachel Crapeau. We flew over and landed at several locations in the vicinity of Defeat Lake.

In 2004, as during the 2003 survey (Thomson 2004a), all new sites found were photographed and documented, including the acquisition of coordinates by GPS, and each site’s extent and significance was estimated.

Interim reports on the four phases of survey were provided to Snowfield on July 9 and August 12 (Thomson 2004b, c) and to the YKDFN on July 26 and August 10 for reference (Thomson 2004d, e). These interim reports were intended to present the main findings and recommendations in a summary format as quickly as possible after the completion of the field work. A subsequent report combining the results of all four phases was presented to the PWNHC for their on-line report series (Thomson 2004f).

This report incorporates a summary of the results obtained during these four phases of field work. Although the investigations were performed for two separate clients, the survey areas are contiguous and only one permit was issued. The final report will be submitted to Snowfield, the YKDFN, the Canadian Museum of Civilization and the PWNHC, as well as to the Dogrib Treaty 11 Council, the Lutsel K’e Dene Council and the North Slave Metis Alliance as required under the Northwest Territories archaeological research permit conditions.

3.0 PREVIOUS INVESTIGATIONS

Prior to our 2003 survey (Thomson 2004a), no extensive archaeological surveys had previously been conducted on the north shore of Great Slave Lake. William Noble had recorded several sites along the north shore of the East Arm (Noble 1966-1969, 1981).

?? KdNw-1 is located west of the deep bay between the old lodge site and the new lodge at Taltheilei Narrows. Material from the very extensive site was originally thought to date back to at least 7,000 years ago, but Noble later suggested that the diagnostic shale artifacts could instead fit within the Taltheilei tradition, extending back only to 2,500 years ago (Noble 1966-1969, 1981). The site appears to be located adjacent to the southwest end of the lodge runway and may have been affected by runway construction and maintenance.

?? KdNw-2 is located at the east end of the peninsula on which the old lodge was built, at the northern entrance to the Taltheilei Narrows. The extensive and important site extends over 14 beach ridges formed during successively lower

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 levels of Great Slave Lake, and may date back to at least 3,500-2,500 years ago and then through the 2,400 year period of the Taltheilei tradition (Noble 1966- 1969, 1981).

?? KdNw-3 is located near the southwest corner of the bay between the two points on the west side of the Narrows, between the airstrip and the new lodge. The site consists of a scatter of lithic material spread over several beach ridges, which had evidently been disturbed by people digging for artifacts (Noble 1966-1969).

?? KdNw-4 is located on the high point of land on the Pethei Peninsula on the east side of the Narrows, overlooking the northern peninsula on the west side and McLeod Bay to the north. Noble (1966-1969) describes the site as a rich deposit of lithic material on a lower plateau.

?? KdNw-5 was named Fort Fond Du Lac by Noble and is located immediately north of the east end of the lodge runway. The site was visited by Warburton Pike in 1889 and 1890 and again by Noble in 1968, at which time Noble counted 11 old graves marked by rotting wooden fences and described the site as a “reasonably old Yellowknife Indian” cemetery (Noble 1966-1969).

Further to the southwest on Hearne Channel, six more sites were recorded by Noble (1968-1969) and others.

?? KcNx-1 is a small lithic scatter and hearth 3 km west of Sachowia Point (Noble 1966-1969).

?? KbNx-1 is a collection of bone and bark artefacts found cached under a rock ledge on a small island.

?? ZAVR-072 was reported by an avocational archaeologist as the remains of a possible trading post 10 km southwest of Sachowia Point.

?? ZAVR-073 was reported by the same avocational archaeologist as a small log cabin.

?? KaPb-1 is a small lithic scatter and two hearths on a low isthmus connecting McKinley point to the mainland (Noble 1966-1969).

?? KaPb-4 is a lithic scatter on beach terraces crossed by a road leading to the Thor lake Mine, 10 km west of McKinley Point (Russell 1988).

Two additional sites were found inland from KaPb-4.

?? KaPb-2 is the remains of Strathcona Camp, an abandoned mining camp on Thor Lake (Russell 1988).

On the North Arm, several surveys have resulted in the recording of approximately 70 sites in the study area.

At the invitation of INAC a brief visit was made by Territorial Archaeologist Tom Andrews in 1992 to Drybones Bay and Jackfish Cove to assess the potential for heritage resource impacts from several development proposals. Three cultural sites were recorded in the Drybones Bay area and were described by Andrews (1993) as follows:

?? KaPf-1, a small cemetery of three or four graves, some marked by a picket fence, dating from pre-1920. The cemetery is located in a clearing 16 m from the shoreline on a small peninsula near the northwest corner of Drybones Bay.

?? KaPf-2, a larger cemetery of seven or eight graves marked (in 1992) by a large cross, where many members of the Drybones family have been buried from as early as the second half of the nineteenth century. The cemetery is located on the north shore of a prominent bifurcated bay running southeast from near the mouth of Drybones Bay.

?? KaPf-3, the site of Michel Drybones’ cabin, apparently constructed over 60 years ago. The cabin has been burned and only the floor and foundation remain, together with an exterior scatter of associated household items. The site is located on a bedrock point 5 m from the north shore of Drybones Bay, 1 km east of the mouth of the bay.

A fourth site was found 9 km northwest of Drybones Bay on the north side of Jackfish Cove and was described by Andrews (1993) as follows:

?? KbPf-1, a small cabin located in a clearing 250 m from the shore of Jackfish Cove. The cabin measures 6 x 6 m and has the collapsed remains of a stone chimney in the west wall. According to Andrews’s field assistant Joe Tobie, the house was built by Sa’tli, a noted Yellowknife elder, who lived there with his wife until the 1940s.

During the 2003 field visit additional site details and minor corrections in site coordinates were obtained for all four sites (Thomson 2004a).

Further south, Andrews (1993) recorded an aboriginal cemetery on Devils Channel.

?? KaPe-1 was described by Andrews (1993) as an aboriginal cemetery containing about 20 graves on the south side of Devils Channel, facing north over Goulet Bay.

Only one other archaeological site was on record in the study area prior to 2003, that of Old Fort Providence just east of Wool Bay (Perry and Clark 1971).

?? KbPg-1, Old Fort Providence, was first established in 1786 for the North West Company by Peter Pond and expanded by Alexander Mackenzie in 1789. John Franklin stopped here on his way north to map the Arctic coast and collected some aboriginal guides and supplies. The Fort was in operation until 1823. Excavations were undertaken in 1969 by Perry and Clark (1971).

In 2003, surveys undertaken on behalf of the YKDFN by Callum Thomson, with assistance by Randy Freeman, resulted in the recording of 63 new heritage sites between Wool Bay and the north side of Matonabbee Bay, with the majority being found around Drybones Bay (Thomson 2004).

Table 1: Sites Recorded During 2003 Surveys Between Wool Bay and Matonabbee Bay Field Number Borden Number Site features A-1 KaPf-4 Lithic scatter A-2 KaPf-5 Cemetery with at least six graves A-3 KaPf-6 Two hide-drying rings A-4 KaPf-7 Old village with five house remains A-5 KaPf-8 Two building foundations A-6 KaPf-9 Tent ring and quartz vein A-7 KaPf-10 Two tent rings, one hearth A-8 KaPf-11 Tent ring, hearth, quartz vein A-9 KaPf-12 Quartz vein A-10 KaPf-13 Cairn and birchbark press A-11 KaPf-14 Birchbark press A-12 KaPf-15 Trapping camp A-13 KaPf-16 Tent ring and hearth A-14 KaPf-17 Three tent rings A-15 KaPf-18 Three tent rings, three hide-drying rings A-16 KaPf-19 Five hide-drying rings, one cairn, two birchbark presses, quartz vein, lithic scatter A-17 KaPf-20 Hide-drying ring A-18 KaPf-21 Old cabin A-19 KaPf-22 Cairn A-20 KaPf-23 Five tent rings, one hide-drying ring, one toboggan press A-21 KaPf-24 One tent ring, one toboggan press A-22 KaPf-25 Three tent rings A-23 KaPf-26 Two tent rings, one cairn A-24 KaPf-27 Shelter, quartz vein A-25 KbPf-2 Cemetery A-26 KbPf-3 Tent ring, cache, two cairns A-27 KaPf-35 Two tent rings A-28 KaPf-36 Canoe building place A-29 KaPf-37 Tent ring A-30 KaPe-2 Exploration camp A-31 KaPe-3 Recent cabin A-32 KaPe-4 Recent cabin A-33 KbPf-4 Boat wreck

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Table 1: Sites Recorded During 2003 Surveys Between Wool Bay and Matonabbee Bay Field Number Borden Number Site features A-34 KbPf-5 Tent ring A-35 KbPg-2 Lithic scatter A-36 KbPg-3 Cemetery A-37 KbPg-4 Grave A-38 KbPg-5 Canoe building place A-39 KbPg-6 Two tent rings, birchbark press A-40 KbPg-7 Canoe building place A-41 KbPg-8 Exploration camp A-42 KbPg-9 Cross A-43 KbPg-10 Tent ring A-44 KbPg-11 Tent ring A-45 KbPg-12 Tent ring A-46 KbPg-13 Tent ring A-47 KbPg-14 Two tent rings, hearth A-48 KbPg-15 Two tent rings A-49 KaPf-38 Old cabin remains A-50 KaPf-39 Birchbark press and hide-drying ring A-51 KaPf-40 Fish plant A-52 KaPf-41 Quartz vein and lithic scatter A-53 KaPf-9 Tent ring and quartz vein A-54 KaPf-42 Old camp C-1 KaPf-28 Recent camp C-2 KaPf-29 Recent cabin C-3 KaPf-30 Exploration camp C-4 KaPf-31 Recent cabin C-5 KaPf-32 Recent cabin C-6 KaPf-33 Recent camp C-7 KaPf-34 Recent cabin C-8 KbPf-6 Fishing camp C-9 KaPf-43 Exploration camp C-10 KaPf-44 Recent camp

A description of the local environment and aboriginal land use patterns between Wool Bay and Matonabbee Bay can be found in Thomson 2004a. The terrain between Taltheilei Narrows and the west side of the North Arm undergoes some local changes, but the area is generally characterized by spruce/birch/alder forest, granite bedrock, and a few deep bays and inlets with a scatter of islands but otherwise a relatively unbroken straight shoreline. On the west side of the North Arm, the terrain changes abruptly, with a series of high sandy terraces in the north giving way to eroding sandstone bluffs and wetlands further south.

4.0 RESULTS

4.1 Narrative

The field work was undertaken from a base on MV No Smo King, a 40 foot ex-fishing boat owned by Yellowknife resident Dave Smith, moored for the duration of the project in the Cabin (locally known as Beniah) Islands area. Each day we accessed the shore nearest to our intended targets by Lund speedboat, and then walked to our targets. Within the target areas and en route to and from them we examined all adjacent trails, bedrock outcrops, drill sites, camps and proposed camps and other activity areas. Our principal targets consisted of the following areas:

?? The Drybones 4 Claim, including 2.5 km of access or tote trails, and the baseline of the grid, approximately 200 m long, and on every grid line (25 m spacing) within a 750 span. We also inspected the area around the skid shack, the access trail from the skid shack to the Sipper Lake portage, outcrops around Sipper Lake and Grass Lake, an access trail from the Sipper Lake drill holes on the east side of Sipper Lake, and back to the grid, consisting of more that 3 km of trails. At the north end of the grid we examined over 1 km of line 15N and 14+50 N. ?? At the north end of the claim block we examined 3 km of access trail towards the Rat Lakes, ending that component in deep swamp; we then examined parts of the Fella Claim and re-found the historic period dog team trail from the southeast corner of Drybones Bay and followed it for 600 m inland; we then surveyed the south side of Drybones Bay back to the start of the winter tote road at Leo Betsina’s cabin, a distance of about 2 km. ?? On the Hurcomb 1 claim, we walked 0.5 km of tote road and 2 km of snowmobile trail. We checked the nearest outcrops to the Grid 3 magnetic anomaly, which is surrounded by bog. We proceeded along the west side of a lake at the centre of this claim and checked the Grid 2 anomaly at the northwest corner of the lake, also in a low area, and went on to Grid 1 where we checked the outcrops at that anomaly and walked the high ground on the east side of that lake and back out to Great Slave Lake. ?? Our final survey was along the shoreline of Great Slave Lake in the Beck 6 Claim and the Hurcomb 1 Claim, and on islands within these claims to follow up on reports of historic sites by members of the YKDFN.

Snowfield Claim Blocks East and Northeast of Drybones Bay

The claim blocks east and northeast of Drybones Bay were accessed on August 10 using a Bell-206 helicopter from Nunasi Helicopters, with Rachel Crapeau, Mike Beauregard and Callum Thomson comprising the field party. Three separate areas were visited.

The WIRE claim area is located on two shallow ponds 6 km east northeast of Drybones Bay. The area surrounding the ponds is predominantly bedrock with some open sandy pine forest. Both of these environments have some archaeological potential. Flat bedrock outcrops in this region commonly contain boulder features such as hide drying rings, tent rings, birchbark presses and toboggan presses. Quartz veins are also frequently found on these outcrops and occasionally show signs of having been exploited by people in the precontact period for stone tool-making material. The open pine forest is

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 the type of location where trapping or hunting camps might be situated, especially in the vicinity of lakes and rivers. We checked several outcrops between the two ponds, finding some quartz veins but no archaeological features; the potential for boulder features is probably higher closer to Drybones Bay and the long lake immediately east of the ponds. We also inspected several other outcrops from the air, but noted no archaeological features. We walked part of an existing logging or mineral exploration access trail that runs between the two ponds and presumably terminates in Drybones Bay. We found nothing of archaeological interest. If this trail follows a former dog team trail, it might be expected that camps related to trapping and travel would be situated at Drybones Bay and on a large lake a day’s travel to the east, i.e., much further east than the WIRE claim ponds. The proposed drilling programme will take place exclusively on ice within the boundaries of the two ponds (M. Beauregard, pers. comm. 2004). Access will be gained to the drill site via the existing logging or exploration trail from Drybones Bay.

The GTEN-16 Claim block is located 14 km east northeast of the east end of Drybones Bay at the west end of a 4 km long lake and several small adjacent ponds. The main drilling activity will take place on the lake ice and on two small adjacent ponds. The lake and ponds are situated in an environment similar to that at the WIRE Claim, described above, and have the same moderate potential for the presence of archaeological and historic sites. Access to the drill sites will be gained by helicopter, with no planned disturbance on land (M. Beauregard, pers. comm. 2004). The long lake is on the same system of lakes that run between Drybones Bay and Hearne Lake, so might have slightly higher potential for the presence of trapping- or travel-related camps from the traditional period than the WIRE Claim area, but again, such sites are more likely to be located at Hearne Lake, just 10 km to the northeast and 25 km from Drybones Bay, and at Watta Lake and Harding Lake, both less than 30 km from Drybones Bay.

The FATE-1 claim is located on Defeat Lake, a large body of water 20 km northeast of Drybones Bay. Rachel Crapeau thought that the lake’s name derived from a historic battle that took place in this area (R. Crapeau, pers. comm. 2004). The only information available in the Northwest Territories Place Names Database indicates that the name was suggested by M.G. Cameron, D.L.S., as used in the field by Dominion geologist A.W. Joliffe (PWNHC 2004). The exploration activity will involve drilling on the lake ice, with winter access by helicopter (M. Beauregard, pers. comm. 2004). The margin of the lake in the vicinity of the anomaly, i.e., on the east side of the lake, is mostly high bedrock. As with the other two locations inspected, the vicinity of the FATE-1 Claim at Defeat Lake has some archaeological potential and, apparently, some historic interest associated with its name. There is a small fishing lodge on the southeast side of the lake and a stack of drill core boxes indicates that there has been some previous exploration activity around the lake.

4.2 Snowfield Claim Blocks South of Drybones ay

The following 43 sites are described in the order in which they were recorded over the five days of the survey around Drybones Bay by Thomson and Beauregard, most often during visits led by Beauregard to areas of previous and potential exploration activity.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 As a consequence, the locations are ordered by claim block rather than by a more geographically structured survey pattern and the reader is encouraged to consult the attached map for location information. It should be noted that the elevations provided were obtained from a Garmin Etrex GPS and should not be accepted as accurate; occasionally, for sites close to the lake, elevations given are lower than the lake elevation (but have been included anyway). The topographic map for the Snowfield area (85 I/4) was prepared in 1961 from 1957 aerial photography and the YKDFN elders say that water levels today are considerably lower than they were several decades ago, which possibly accounts for part of the discrepancy. In addition, hand-held GPS units can be more inaccurate in their elevation coordinates than in their horizontal coordinates. Additional site details are contained in Appendix 1, which contains a summary of site attributes sent to the Archaeological Survey of Canada (ASC) for assignment of official site identifiers known as Borden numbers. Sites considered to meet the Northwest Territories definition of archaeological site are generally older than 50 years or so; contemporary sites include the more recent cabin and camp sites that generally do not have a visible older component. Recommendations for site-specific actions are contained in each site description and summarized in Table 6.1 below. Where it is stated that sites are not at risk from mineral exploration, this is intended to apply only to the current stage of exploration as explained to the author by Snowfield.

No sites were found during the helicopter-assisted survey of claim blocks east of Drybones Bay, although many areas considered to have high potential for the presence of sites were observed from the air.

The following eight sites (S-1 to S-8) were recorded on July 4 during surveys on the southern half of the Drybones 4 Claim, the northeast corner of the GSL 2 Claim around the Pebble Beach exploration camp, and the northeast corner of the GSL 5 claim in the vicinity of the alternate camp location. Each description includes the field number (e.g., S-1); the Borden number (Borden 1952) assigned by the Sites Office, Canadian Museum of Civilization (e.g., KaPf-45); the nature of each site or feature and its UTM coordinates (in NAD-27, as with the exception of 85 J/7 all of the topographic sheets used are in NAD-27); the elevation as acquired from the GPS above sea level (asl) and converted to above lake level, and as estimated from the topographic sheet where a discrepancy appears obvious; the photo catalogue numbers; a brief discussion of the location and contents, and recommendations for mitigation and/or further research.

S-1, KaPf-45

Description Feature 1. Hide Drying Ring. GPS 131 0357542E 6889854N, 164 m asl (7.6 m above lake level) (estimated 168 m asl, 11.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-28 to 4-30. KaPf-45 is located on a bedrock outcrop on the southeast side of an L-shaped lake known to Snowfield as Fastener Lake, 1.25 km from the shore of Great Slave Lake. The site consists of a single hide-drying ring of 10 boulders in a triangular outline measuring about 1.5 x 4.5 m. The site is 100 m south of the shore of the lake and 50 m south of the winter trail that connects exploration areas around Fastener Lake, Sipper Lake, which

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 connects to Fastener Lake to the northwest, and Chanky Lake, between Sipper Lake and Drybones Bay (local names for lakes are all informal, used by Snowfield field personnel).

Discussion Hide-drying rings are a prominent feature of the archaeological sites found around Drybones Bay. They consist of a variable number of boulders invariably moved onto bedrock outcrops where they were presumably used to hold down the outer edges of moose or sometimes perhaps caribou at some stage in the hide processing activity. Alternatively, they may have been used as anchors for lines tied through the extremities of the hide, e.g., the skin on the limbs. The bedrock outcrops are often quite extensive and may contain several or many of these features, sometimes in clusters of 2-5 or more. The nature of the bedrock outcrops (scoured clean of most soil, gravel and boulder deposits and often sloping) is that few or no trees are present, and they are therefore exposed to breezes and sunlight for much of the day. In addition, the outcrops are often at a high elevation. The sloping nature of the outcrop allows for moisture accumulated during the processing or from rain and dew to drain readily. The boulders have clearly been moved to their location of use; most outcrops encountered have been completely cleared of boulders and gravel by glacial action and the rings stand out as anomalies. Many of the outcrops on which these rings were found are close to a lake or pond, suggesting that a source of water was required at this stage of hide processing.

Elders spoken to about these features were divided in their opinion of their function. Some said that all of the processing of hides was done using wooden frames on which the hides would be stretched (e.g., P. Sangris 2004, pers. comm.); others conceded that wet hides might have been laid over exposed warm bedrock and weighted down with boulders or that the hides might have been stretched between stakes or boulders with thongs (e.g., H. Tobie 2004, pers. comm.). Their scattered location and ubiquitousness, often in areas where there is a poor or no view of the surrounding terrain because of a screen of trees, suggests that they may have been located near snares used to capture game and that the hides were then taken to the nearest outcrop (of which there are hundreds around this part of Great Slave Lake) for processing, with the meat, perhaps, taken back to a camp elsewhere. Almost none of the hide-drying ring sites contained any artifacts that would help to date the features. However, they are often lichen covered, suggesting some antiquity; the fact that most elders spoken to do not remember their use indicates that they may have been a component used more in the precontact period than in the last century or two. Interestingly, Andrew Stewart, working with Inuit elders on the Kazan River, southwestern Nunavut and around Churchill, Manitoba, describes similar cobble or boulder features on sloping ground, which the elders there interpreted as caribou hide-drying rings (A. Stewart, pers. comm. 2004; Keith and Stewart 1999).

Recommendation This site is not at risk from present exploration activities and requires no mitigation at this time. As a general rule, and in conformity with Territorial legislation regarding heritage conservation, such features when encountered by prospectors, stakers and others involved in mineral exploration should not be disturbed, especially for use in supporting a stake on an outcrop that otherwise offers few such opportunities. It might be instructive

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 to show a selection of these hide-drying rings to elders so that the interpretation offered above can be discussed and, if necessary, modified.

S-2, KaPf-46

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 132 0356516E 6890682N, 169 m asl (12.6 m above lake level) (estimate from map sheet 166 m asl, 10 m above lake level). Photos 4-32 to 4-33. KaPf-46 is located on a bedrock ridge midway between Sipper Lake and Great Slave Lake, about 1.2 km east of the lake and 20 m from a winter access trail. The single feature is a rectangular hide-drying ring open to the south and measuring 1.5 x 3 m, with 12 boulders.

Discussion See KaPf-45 above for discussion of function.

S-3, KaPf-47

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 133 0355184E 6890150N, 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-34 to 4-36. Feature 2. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 134 0355185E 6890171N, 160 m asl (3.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-37 to 4-39. KaPf-47 contains two boulder features, a hide-drying ring and an adjacent tent ring. Feature 1, the hide-drying ring, measures 4 x 2 m and is roughly oval with 11 boulders. Feature 2, the tent ring, measures 4 x 4 m with 10 boulders in an approximate circle. The site is located on a bedrock outcrop 100-200 m north of the Snowfield exploration camp at Pebble Beach, overlooking Great Slave Lake to the west, Burnt Island to the northwest and a sheltered inlet to the east.

Discussion This site was not found during the initial visit to the Snowfield camp in 2003. It is likely that a more permanent exploration camp will be built at this location, but these archaeological features should not be at risk of disturbance as they are on an exposed bedrock outcrop, while the camp is situated on lower ground in the shelter of trees.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Recommendation The two structures at this site should be made known to all staff at the exploration camp, including helicopter pilots, and not disturbed by activities such as equipment storage. Otherwise, this site requires no mitigation.

S-4, KaPf-48

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 135 0355744E 6889638N, 164 m asl (7.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-41 to 4-43. Feature 2. Toboggan Press or Birchbark Press. GPS 136 0355733E 6889648N, 168 m asl (11.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-44 to 4-45. This site is 600 m southeast of the Snowfield Pebble Beach camp and KaPf-47, on a bedrock ridge 30 m from the cobble beach on the shore of the lake. A large frost heave adjacent to the bedrock outcrop probably supplied the materials used in building the two structures. Feature 1 is an oval tent ring measuring 3 x 2.5 m with a hearth at the centre. Feature 2 is a linear arrangement of four boulders thought to be a birchbark press or toboggan press extending over several metres 10 m north of the tent ring.

Discussion Linear arrangements of boulders, usually found in this area on bedrock outcrops and often in association with other features such as tent rings and hide-drying rings, have been interpreted in two possible ways. At the end of the spring hunting or trapping season, toboggans used for travel may need to be stored through the summer months. In order to prevent the wood from buckling, boulders were placed on the bed of the toboggan to weight it down. Placing it on a bedrock outcrop with a slight slope rather than on a flat vegetated surface would help preserve the wood and lashings. The second interpretation is that some of these linear features may have served to hold down and straighten sheets of birchbark cut from adjacent trees for use in making birchbark canoes. In some cases, these features were located adjacent to stands of birch trees. As with the hide-drying rings and tent rings, the boulders used in these structures have been deliberately placed on the bedrock outcrops, which are usually otherwise devoid of surface boulders.

Recommendation This site requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-5, KaPf-49

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 137 0355762E 6889267N, 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-46 to 4-47. Feature 2. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 138 0355754E 689271N, 166 m asl (9.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-48 to 4-49. Note: several quartz veins 100 m south of these features were not recorded (Photo 4- 50).

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 KaPf-49 is located on the south side of a bay sheltered from the north by a small island. The site is 1 km southeast of the Snowfield Pebble Beach camp near the western tip of a prominent peninsula on a bedrock outcrop 10-11 m above lake level. The site consists of two boulder features. Feature 1 is an oval tent ring measuring 4 x 2 m with seven boulders, and an additional two boulders 3 m north of the main part of the structure, most likely to hold guy ropes during a strong northerly wind. Feature 2 is a triangular hide- drying ring measuring 1.3 x 1.2 m with 13 boulders. As we left this site we encountered several quartz veins about 100 m south of the boulder structures. It was not clear whether they had been exploited as sources of lithic material for tool-making. Their provenience and extent were not recorded.

Discussion This site is one of ten within a 1.5 km stretch of shoreline and near-shore north of the Beniah (Cabin) islands. None are thought to be at risk from exploration activities.

Recommendation This site requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-6, KaPf-50

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 139 0355921E 6889179N, 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-51 to 4-52. Feature 2. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 140 0355973E 6889197N, 160 m asl (3.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-53 to 4-54. Feature 3. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 141 0355970E 6889198N, 162 m asl (5.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-55 to 4-56. Feature 4. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 142 0355965E 6889193N, 160 m asl (3.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-57 to 4-58. Feature 5. Quartz Vein. GPS 143 0356006E 6889144N, 163 m asl (6.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-59 to 4-60. Feature 6. Toboggan Press. GPS 144 0356034E 6889141N, 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-61 to 4-62. KaPf-50 is located 200 m east of KaPf-49 on a bedrock outcrop 30 m from the shore of the lake, overlooking the north end of a small island. The site consists of a cluster of six features: four hide-drying rings, a quartz vein and a toboggan press. The hide-drying rings are arranged in a linear pattern over about 50 m. Feature 1 is rectangular, measures 3 x 2.5 m and consists of about 10 large boulders and 13 smaller ones. Feature 2 is rectangular, measuring about 2 x 2 m, with 13 boulders. Feature 3 is a 2 m linear arrangement of four boulders, with a fifth 1 m to one side, so may instead be a toboggan or birchbark press. Feature 4 is a triangular shape consisting of eight boulders. The quartz vein, Feature 5, is within 50 m of the boulder features but not necessarily related in time. The vein has been exploited, with chunks missing and scatters of flakes and chunks on the bedrock uphill from the vein. Feature 6 is a 2.5 m linear arrangement of four boulders, slightly curved, with a fifth boulder 3.5 m to the south, so may instead be a hide-drying ring or an incomplete tent ring.

Discussion Quartz veins are quite common in the area and many appear to have been exploited. A few show definite signs of having been tested by a prospector or geologist, as large chunks have been left near where they were extracted and in some cases material has been blasted out of the vein, landing many metres distant. Other veins and quartz boulders have small scatters of flakes and occasionally finished or incomplete tools around them. White quartz, because of its availability, was favoured by precontact people who travelled to this area, reducing the need to haul along large quantities of other lithic material in the form of finished tools or blanks for tool manufacture.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from mineral exploration and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-7, KaPf-51

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 145 0356209E 6889119N, 173 m asl (16.6 m above lake level) (estimated from map sheet at 160 m asl, 4 m above lake level). Photos 4-63 to 4-65. This site consists of eight boulders forming a rectangular tent ring measuring 4 x 5 m, situated on a bedrock outcrop 10 m from the shore of the lake.

Discussion No material was found in or around the tent ring by which to date this feature. This was a common occurrence and one which suggested that many of these tent rings are quite old, perhaps from the precontact or early contact period, prior to the availability of the durable metal, glass, ceramic and plastic materials which persist for decades in historic period sites.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from mineral exploration and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-8, KaPf-52

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 146 0356650E 6888582N, 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-66 to 4-67. Feature 2. Tent Ring. GPS 147 0356651E 6888591N, 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photos 4-68 to 4-69. This site is located on a low stretch of bedrock that slopes gently into the lake north of the Beniah (Cabin) Islands, near where Snowfield was considering the construction of an alternate exploration camp. This location would be suitable for beaching landing craft bring equipment and supplies. Feature 1 is a small tent ring consisting of five boulders in

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 an incomplete circle 15 m from the shore of the lake. Feature 2 is similar, a 3.5 x 3 m incomplete circle of six boulders, open to the west, 10 m north of Feature 1.

Discussion This site would be at risk from activities such as beaching and unloading materials from a landing craft. However, this location is not currently under consideration as an alternative exploration camp site.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

On July 5, surveys focused on the northern half of the Drybones 4 Claim, the west centre section of the Drybones 5 Claim and the Fella 1 Claim, the north end of which is located along the southeast shore of Drybones Bay. Six new sites were found (Sites 9-14).

S-9, KaPf-53

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 149 03563770E 6893137N, 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photos 5-3 to 5-4. Feature 2. Tent Ring. GPS 151 0356376E 6893117N, 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photos 5-5 to 5-6. Feature 3. Tent Ring. GPS 152 0356451E 6893196N, 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photos 5-8 to 5-9. This site is located on a large bedrock outcrop on the north side of a winter access trail that extends from the south side of Drybones Bay several kilometres eastward into the Drybones 5 Claim. The site consists of two tent rings and a hide-drying ring, 1 km inland from the shore of Drybones Bay. Feature 1 is a rectangular hide-drying ring measuring about 1 km square and consisting of six boulders. Feature 2 is an incomplete circular tent ring open to the west, consisting of eight boulders. A small hearth with three boulders is located at the centre of the ring. Feature 3 is an incomplete oval tent ring open to the south, measuring 3.5 x 3 m and containing 10 boulders.

Discussion This is one of eight sites found during the present survey more than 1 km from the shore of Great Slave Lake or Drybones Bay, in an area with no apparent attributes other than a bedrock outcrop on which to locate these features. There are two small ponds with a connecting stream less than 100 m south of the site, but no large lake or river that might have been used for travel. It is possible that these bedrock outcrops were a preferred travel route, allowing the hunter or trapper to travel unimpeded by the thick brush. When we were not following a winter trail we found that we did the same thing, searching for bedrock outcrops, not only for their archaeological potential but also as a relief from the brush and often-wet ground conditions. The outcrops are often signified by jack pines that seem to thrive on the dry conditions on and around bedrock outcrops, and are easily seen from the vantage point of other outcrops.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-10, KaPf-14

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 159 0356940E 6894638N, 182 m asl (25.6 m above lake level). Photos 5-12 to 5-13. Feature 2. Birchbark Press. GPS 160 0356943E 6894645N, 186 m asl (29.6 m above lake level) (estimated from map sheet at 181 m asl). Photos 5-14 to 5-15.

This site was originally found in 2003 (Thomson 2004a), recorded as KaPf-14, and inadvertently re-recorded in 2004. In 2003 it was described as a single 6 m long birchbark press, but on the basis of more experience of these boulder structures in 2004, it is now considered to be two separate structures. Feature 1 is probably a 3 x 1.5 m oval hide-drying ring and feature 2 is a 2.5 m long birchbark press.

Discussion This is one of eight sites present within less than 100 m of each other on a series of bedrock ridges, where only one site was recorded in 2003, and emphasizes the need for intensive surveys in areas considered to be of high archaeological potential. In support of the potential for Feature 2 to be a birchbark press, there are many birch trees in the vicinity of these bedrock ridges.

The GPS produced elevations of these four sites on the same bedrock outcrop that varied between 181-186 m asl. As they are all located above the 550 foot contour on the topographic map, i.e., between 170-183 m asl, the low end of the 181-186 m range seems acceptable. Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-11, KaPf-55

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 161 0356947E 6894580N, 183 m asl (26.6 m above lake level). Photos 5-16 to 5-17. Feature 2. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 162 0356917E 6894564N, 181 m asl (24.6 m above lake level). Photos 5-18 to 5-19. These two features are 60 m south of S-10 on another bedrock ridge. Feature 1 is semicircular and measures 1.5 x 3 m, open to the north. Feature 2 is 3 x 4 m consisting of five boulders, two of which may have been displaced by gravity or removal from the hide and sliding downslope.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Discussion The interpretation of these two features is problematic, as both appear to be truncated. However, it is clear that the boulders have been deliberately placed on the ridge.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-12, KaPf-56

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 163 0356951E 6894552N, 181 m asl (24.6 m above lake level). Photos 5-20 to 5-21. This site consists of a single feature interpreted as a hide-drying ring. It consists of a 5 x 1 m grouping of four boulders placed on a bedrock ridge south of S-11.

Discussion The interpretation of this feature is problematic, as it appears to be truncated. However, it is clear that the boulders have been deliberately placed on the ridge.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-13, KaPf-57

Description Feature 1. Birchbark Press. GPS 164 0356986E 6894557N, 181 m asl (24.6 m above lake level). Photos 5-22 to 5-24. This site consists of a single feature interpreted as a birchbark press. It consists of a 3 m long alignment of six boulders placed on a bedrock ridge east of S-12.

Discussion The interpretation of this feature is quite clear, as the alignment is quite straight and there are many birch trees in the vicinity. As we proceeded west from this cluster of sites, returning to where we had left our boat at the beginning of the winter trail from Drybones Bay, we occasionally encountered an old trail running parallel to the shore of the Bay.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-14, KaPf-58

Description

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Feature 1. Birchbark Press. GPS 165 0356850E 688923N, 172 m asl (15.6 m above lake level). Photos 5-22 to 5-24. This site is located on a very extensive area of bedrock north of the Beniah (Cabin) Islands, east of the proposed alternative exploration camp. The site consists of two boulders 5 m apart aligned north-south, with an additional boulder on either side that may have rolled downslope from the alignment. It is likely that this feature was a birchbark or toboggan press. In a brief survey, no other boulders were found on the outcrop.

Discussion No other sites were found on this bedrock outcrop or in an adjacent deep deposit of sand between the outcrop and the shore.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

On July 6 the survey focus was on the interior of the Hurcomb 1 Claim between Drybones Bay and Matonabbee Bay and the south ends of the Beck 3 and 4 Claims. Six sites were recorded.

S-15, KaPf-59

Description Feature 1. Toboggan Press. GPS 167 0360275E 6886383N, 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photos 6-1 to 6-2. Feature 2. Cache. Immediately adjacent to (west of) Feature 1. Photos 6-3 to 6-4. This site is 200 m from the shore of the lake on a bedrock outcrop. The toboggan press consists of an alignment of five rocks. The adjacent cache includes seven rocks.

Discussion In spite of the abundance of boulders along the shore, there are remarkably few boulder caches in this area, suggesting that meat removed from the animals killed (and whose hides are presumably dried in the ubiquitous boulder rings) is taken to a more permanent camp for immediate use and drying, rather than cached for future access, as is practiced among Inuit groups.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-16, KaPe-5

Description Feature 1. Quartz Veins. Locus 1 GPS 168 0360951 6886799N. Photos 6-6 to 6-16. Locus 2 GPS 169 0360951 6886800N, 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level).

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Feature 2. Toboggan Press. GPS 170 0360942E 6886813N, 169 m asl (12.6 m above lake level). Photos 6-17 to 6-19. Feature 1 includes three quartz veins, and extensive area of debitage resulting from extraction of quartz chunks from the veins, and at least two partial stone tools. Artifact 1, found on top of the Locus 1 vein, is the base of a stemmed biface. Artifact 2, found adjacent to the Locus 2 vein, is the midsection of a biface. The toboggan press is 3.5 m long and 1 m wide and consists of eight boulders in two parallel lines.

Discussion This is one of the more significant sites found in the Snowfield area, containing clear evidence of the precontact exploitation of quartz veins and the probable in situ manufacture of tools from this material. There are many such veins on the bedrock outcrops adjacent to this part of Great Slave Lake and each one has the potential to have been found and used as a lithic source by peoples over the last several millennia. Noble (1981) illustrates many artifacts from the Taltheilei period (2500-150 years ago) which appear to be made of quartz, and describes finding quartz artifacts in several of his site forms, but mentions only quartzite and shale as the predominant locally available lithic resources in his summaries of Taltheilei phase attributes. This suggests that white quartz was included within Noble’s definition of quartzite, rather than isolated as a separate type of material. Efforts should be made by field geologists and stakers who encounter these features to record their location for future inspection by an archaeologist.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-17, KaPe-6

Description Feature 1. Hearth. GPS 171 0362009E 6887424N, 174 m asl (17.6 m above lake level). Photos 6-21 to 6-22. This site is located on the north side of a long pond on the Hurcomb 1 Claim 1.5 km from the nearest point of Great Slave Lake. KaPe-6 is most likely a hearth, consisting of seven boulders situated on a bedrock outcrop.

Discussion This is one of four sites found around this lake, between 0.6 and 2.5 km from Great Slave Lake. The relatively high density of sites around this lake suggest that other interior lakes with characteristics such as an abundance of bedrock outcrops containing quartz, suitable moose habitat, short portages between lakes, and resident furbearers like beaver and muskrat will contain a similar density of sites. It seems from the results of this survey around this lake that bedrock outcrops are a good place on which to focus a survey.

Recommendation

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-18, KaPe-7 Description Feature 1. Exploited Quartz Vein. GPS 172 0362192E 6887748N, 181 m asl (24.6 m above lake level). Photos 6-23 to 6-27. Artifact located at GPS 173 0362185E 6887747N. This site is located 300 m northeast of S-17 at the end of the long narrow part of the same lake. The site consists of a quartz vein with many chunks missing and one associated tool fragment on a bedrock outcrop 200 m west of the lake, 1.8 km from Great Slave Lake.

Discussion The artifact, which was not collected, is the distal end of a white quartz biface, broken at the bottom and with the tip missing. The tool fragment was found 7 m west of the quartz vein, so probably originated in a chunk of quartz obtained from the vein.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

S-19, KaPe-8 Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring and Quartz Veins. GPS 174 0362384E 6888297N, 182 m asl (25.6 m above lake level). Photos 6-28 to 6-29. This site is located on a bedrock outcrop at the northeast corner of the head of the same long lake around which KaPe-5, -6 and -7 were recorded. The feature is triangular and measures 1.5 x 4 m. Several quartz veins were noted on the same outcrop, between about 20 m east and 50 m west of the boulder feature.

Discussion Some of the quartz veins on this bedrock outcrop have probably been exploited, as there are loose chunks of quartz scattered about the veins and some chunks missing. Three of the four sites found around this lake have produced quartz veins, suggesting that additional surveys along these bedrock systems would produce similar results.

Recommendation Under the present project description, this site is not at risk from mineral exploration- related activities and requires no mitigation at the present time.

On July 7, the focus of the survey shifted back to the Drybones 4 Claim to check the system of winter roads running into Sipper lake and Chanky Lake, and the grid between Sipper Lake and the Pebble Beach camp area. Six sites were found.

S-20, KaPf-60

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 175 0356134E 6889900N, 179 m asl (22.6 m above lake level). Photos 7-4 to 7-6. KaPf-60 is a single hide-drying ring found on a high bedrock outcrop between Fastener Lake and the Pebble Beach camp, 500 m from Great Slave Lake. The feature consists of a rough rectangular arrangement of five boulders that probably held down the extremities of a moose hide placed on the outcrop to dry. The boulders are 2 x 1.5 x 1 x 1.5 m apart.

Discussion This outcrop is the highest point around so receives a maximum amount of sunlight and breezes off the lake. The location also provides a good view westward towards the lake. If, as theorized, moose were snared and their hides brought to this location for processing, the hunters may also have spent some time gathering berries, as these are abundant in the area.

Recommendation This site is located on Snowfield’s Mud Lake grid. While it is not at any direct risk from exploration activities, it would be if mine development proceeded in this area, at which point suitable mitigation would be proposed and implemented. For now, mitigation should include a requirement for stakers to obtain boulders needed to support stakes on bedrock outcrops from a natural source, not from what may be a tent ring, hide-drying ring, birchbark or toboggan press, cache, hearth or other feature that may be cultural in origin. Alternatively, perhaps some form of artificial stand that would hold a stake in place could be developed.

S-21, KaPf-61

Description Feature 1. Quartz Outcrop. GPS 176 0355892E 6889909N, 171 m asl (14.6 m above lake level). Photos 7-8 to 7-13. This site consists of a several metre long white quartz vein on a bedrock outcrop. Many chunks of quartz have been removed from the vein, and debitage and preforms (partially finished tool blanks) are scattered about on the bedrock up to 6 m or more from the vein.

Discussion It seems likely that this vein has been exploited at some time in the precontact period as a source of quartz for tool manufacture. More intensive and microscopic inspection of the possible preforms and a search for finished tools or tool fragments, as well as inspection of the quartz in the vein for traces of metal hammers, might help to confirm whether this is a precontact site or one tested by a prospector looking for traces or gold or other minerals, or both.

Recommendation This site is located on Snowfield’s Mud Lake grid. While it is not at any direct risk from exploration activities, it would be if mine development proceeded in this area, at which

S-22, KaPf-62

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 177 0355377E 6890340N, 156 m asl (<1 m above lake level). Photos 7-14 to 7-15. This site consists of a 3 m circular tent ring made up of six boulders situated on a low bedrock outcrop 50 m from a sandy beach overlooking the south end of Burnt Island.

Discussion This site is about 250 m northeast of the Pebble Beach exploration camp, but not at any immediate risk.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-23, KaPf-63

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 178 0355528E 6890270N, 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 7-16 to 7-17. This site is located between KaPf-62 and the Pebble Beach camp, near the bottom of the inlet behind the camp. A single boulder structure was found on a bedrock outcrop, consisting of an 8 x 4 m rectangular arrangement of seven boulders. The function is uncertain, but may be the remains of one or two adjacent hide-drying rings from which the boulders were moved outwards after use, or a tent ring, or perhaps a birchbark or toboggan press, with the boulders moved outward after use.

Discussion This site is about 200 m northeast of the Pebble Beach exploration camp, but not at any immediate risk.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-24, KaPf-64

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Rings. GPS 179 0356498E 6891789N, 169 m asl (12.6 m above lake level). Photos 7-20 to 7-21.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Feature 2. Hide-Drying Rings. GPS 180 0356540E 6891827N, 169 m asl (12.6 m above lake level). Photos 7-22 to 7-25. Feature 3. Birchbark Press. GPS 181 0356584E 6891801N, 172 m asl (15.6 m above lake level). Photos 7-26 to 7-27. Feature 4. Quartz Veins. GPS 182 0356586E 6871717N, 170 m asl (13.6 m above lake level). Photos 7-28 to 7-29. From the Pebble Beach camp area, we struck northeast across country to meet the winter access trail to the Chanky Lake exploration area. KaPf-64 is located on a high bedrock outcrop 200 m southeast of and overlooking Chanky Lake and 100 m east of the access road. Four features were found on the outcrop. Feature 1, near the west end of the outcrop, is a large or double hide-drying ring measuring 3 x 2 m consisting of an oval arrangement of 17 boulders open towards the south. Feature 2 is 50 m northeast of Feature 1 and consists of another large or double hide-drying ring with 17 boulders in an L-shaped arrangement measuring 5 x 2 m. One of the boulders is made of quartz. Feature 3 is a probable toboggan press with 3 boulders 2 m apart on the east side of the outcrop. Feature 4, 80 m south of Feature 3 at the south end of the outcrop, is a discontinuous 25 m long quartz vein that appears to have been exploited during the precontact period. Some debitage from the removal process is scattered alongside the vein.

Discussion Chanky Lake seems to offer good moose browsing habitat, so may have been a place to actively hunt or snare moose, in which case this outcrop would be well situated for the hide processing suggested by the presence of the boulder features. The site is 1.7 km from the nearest point of Drybones Bay, almost 2 km from Great Slave lake, emphasizing once again the need for surveys in the interior and the dropping of the assumption that archaeological sites are invariably associated with large bodies of water such as Great Slave Lake. Eight of the 43 sites recorded during this survey, i.e., almost 20%, are located more than 1 km from the shore of Drybones Bay or Great Slave Lake.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-25, KaPf-65

Description Feature 1. Birchbark Press. GPS 183 0356817E 6891403N, 174 m asl (17.6 m above lake level). Photos 7-30 to 7-31. This site was found on another high bedrock outcrop overlooking the north end of Sipper Lake, 1.8 km from the shore of Great Slave Lake. The site consists of a 3 m long arrangement of five boulders, possibly a birchbark press. There are many birch trees in the vicinity, lending support to this interpretation.

Discussion Birchbark canoes could be made using locally available materials and would allow trappers and hunters to continue their activities during the period of spring break up of

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 the ice on lakes and rivers. The toboggan would then be abandoned or stored and the canoe used instead. Stands of birch are common in the area, although most are quite small. The birchbark would be stripped in sheets from larger trees and laid out on a flat bedrock outcrop to straighten and be processed before being cut and sewn around the frame of a small canoe.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

On July 8, the last day of the survey, we focused our efforts along the shoreline of Great Slave Lake in the Beck 6 Claim and the southwest corner of the Hurcomb 1 Claim and on several of the islands in the Red 7 Claim, finding 16 precontact sites and three recent cabin sites. By this time we had been joined in the field by four representatives of the Yellowknives Dene, who camped on an island at the mouth of Matonabbee Bay and surveyed several of the islands in the area.

S-26, KaPf-66

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 184 0358353E 6887415N, 155 m asl. Photos 8-3 to 8-5. This site is located on a bedrock island at the head of the bay east of the main island in the Beniah (Cabin) Islands group, locally called Willow Island. The circular tent ring, comprising seven boulders, is deeply set in a moss cover over the bedrock, suggesting some antiquity. A more modern hearth is located 30 m to the south on the outer tip of the island.

Discussion Contemporary Dene prefer island locations for camp sites, as they tend to be avoided by bears and are less prone to forest fires. Dry bedrock islands may also be less susceptible to mosquito and black fly infestations and are also open to a breeze off the lake. This tent ring may have been occupied for one or more of these reasons. Several other modern hearths with recent garbage are scattered around the shore of the island, but were not recorded.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-27, KaPf-67

Description Feature 1. Recent Tent Frame. GPS 185 0358492E 6887337N, 152 m asl. Photos 8- 6 to 8-8. Feature 2. Old Cord Wood Stack. GPS 186 0358502E 6887359N, 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-8 to 8-12. This site is located around the southeast point of the same island as KaPf-66. The tent frame is made up of four spruce poles collapsed over a hearth in a clearing 10 m from

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 shore. The site is surrounded by axe-cut and saw-cut tree stumps. Behind the tent frame are two piles of 4’ cord wood neatly piled between two standing trees. The island is covered with stumps of trees with diameters as much as 45 cm.

Discussion Mike Beauregard suggested that the cord wood was cut by contractors in the 1940s or 1950s to supply the furnaces at the Con Mine in Yellowknife (M. Beauregard 2004, pers. comm.). The height of the stumps suggests that they were cut in winter, and the logs probably hauled to Yellowknife over the lake ice.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-28, KaPf-68

Description From the island, we followed the bedrock outcrops along the shoreline for 1.5 km between two prominent peninsulas, finding 13 more sites. Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 187 0358837E 6886839N, 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-13 to 8-14. Feature 2. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 188 0358919E 6886836N. Photos 8-15 to 8-16. Feature 3. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 189 0359039E 6886819N, 153 m asl. Photos 8- 17 to 8-18. Feature 4. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 190 0359037E 6886807N, 152 m asl. Photos 8- 19 to 8-20. Feature 5. Birchbark or Toboggan Press. GPS 191 0359057E 6886829N. Photos 8- 21 to 8-22. Feature 6. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 192 0359084E 6886834N, 151 m asl. Photos 8- 23 to 8-24. This site is located on the tip of a prominent bedrock peninsula southeast of the KaPf- 66/KaPf-67 island, due east of the south side of Willow Island. The site consists of six boulder features. Feature 1 is a tent ring with eight large boulders at the corners of a 4 x 3 m rectangle, 15 m from the present high water mark. Feature 2 is a probable hide- drying ring 10 m from the lake, 80 m east of Feature 1. It consists of nine rocks in a 3.5 x 1.5 m rectangular alignment, so may actually be two rings. Feature 3 is either a double hide-drying ring or a large tent ring, comprising 24 boulders in a 13 x 5 m rectangle. A probable hearth is incorporated in the south side, nearest the lake. Feature 4 is another hide-drying ring consisting of six boulders in a triangular alignment 15 m from the water. Feature 5 is a 5.5 m long linear alignment of seven rocks, most likely either a birchbark press or a toboggan press. Feature 6 is a 3.5 x 1.5 m triangular-shaped hide-drying ring of seven rocks.

Discussion This location – and the shoreline for the next 1.5 km to the southeast – was probably favoured for camping and processing moose hides because of the easily accessible bedrock slopes, the abundance of boulders along the shore line, the presence of trees

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 behind the sites from which to cut frames and tent poles and fuel, exposure to breezes off the lake and easy access to a base camp where the meat would be dried.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-29, KaPf-69

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 193 0359016E 6886877N. 157 m asl (<1 m above lake level). Photos 8-25 to 8-26. Feature 2. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 194 0358996E 6886903N, 155 m asl. Photos 8- 27 to 8-29. Feature 3. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 195 0358985E 6886885N, 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-30 to 8-31. This site is located 100 m southeast of KaPf-68, on a bedrock outcrop overlooking KaPf- 68 and the lake. The three features are all hide-drying rings, with Feature 1 a 2.5 x 1.5 m triangular outline of four rocks, 90 m from the lake shore; Feature 2 a triangular shape 2 x 1.5 m consisting of six rocks, 100 m from shore; and Feature 3, on the height of land, another triangular outline measuring 4.5 x 2 m and comprising six boulders.

Discussion The sites along this part of the coastline are arbitrarily divided, sometimes where a stand of trees or a gully separates two groups, or where some are at higher elevations than others. In fact, many of these features may have been used at the same time or by the same people at different times. However, there is usually some demarcation between the sites and it is easier to assess mitigation needs for almost 40 structures as small sites than as one large site.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-30, KaPf-70

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 196 0359308E 6886522N. 153 m asl. Photos 8- 32 to 8-33. This site is located on the next bedrock outcrop along the shore from KaPf-68 and KaPf- 69, at another point of land jutting into the lake. The site consists of a triangular hide- drying ring. There are also several quartz veins uphill from the site, but the material is very sugary and did not seem to have been exploited.

Discussion As with most of these sites along this stretch of shoreline, there is no risk of disturbance from mineral exploration activities under the present project description.

S-31, KaPf-71

Description Feature 1. Birchbark Press. GPS 197 0359542E 6886409N. Photos 8-34 to 8-35. Feature 2. Hide-Drying Rings and Hearth. GPS 198 0359596E 6886425N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-36 to 8-38. This site is located on a flat bedrock outcrop near the shore of the lake 200 m southeast of KaPf-70. The birchbark press measures 5 m long with 4 boulders in a straight alignment and one less than 1 m off to one side. The bedrock here is perfectly flat with no bumps or undulations or flaking rock. Feature 2 is quite complex and may have been occupied repeatedly and used for several different purposes. Seven boulders at the centre of the cluster may be the remains of a tent ring. Adjoining to the east is another cluster of five rocks that, with two of the tent ring rocks, may form a hide-drying ring. Four rocks at the centre of the tent ring appear to be the remains of a hearth. Another hide-drying ring adjoins the tent ring to the west, incorporating one of the tent ring boulders.

Discussion The difficulty in assigning dates and cultural affiliations to these boulder features is that there is rarely any cultural material associated with them. Lithic material, for instance, would indicate a precontact occupation or use; the presence of wood or charcoal in a hearth would suggest a historic period occupation. In the event that some of these structures are located within an area of proposed disturbance during any future mine development, it would be necessary to investigate all structures more intensively, perhaps including attempts to date lichen growth; testing any soil deposits or inspecting the ground surface beneath structural rocks for any artifacts; and obtaining interpretation of function from elders.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-32, KaPf-72

Description Feature 1. Hearth. GPS 199 0359547E 6886292N. 155 m asl. Photos 8-39 to 8-41. Feature 2. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 200 0359531E 6886319N. 155 m asl. Photos 8- 42 to 8-43. This site is located on a prominent point overlooking a scatter of islands off the mouth of Matonabbee Bay. Feature 1 is a 1 x 0.7 m hearth consisting of three boulders. Feature 2, on the bedrock behind the hearth, is a triangular hide-drying ring measuring 2 x 4 m and including six boulders.

Discussion

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Immediately east of this site is an interesting geological feature exhibiting intense folding in the bedrock (Photo 8-44).

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-33, KaPf-73

Description Feature 1 and 2. Hide-Drying Ring and Quartz Vein. GPS 201 0359720E 6886265N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-45 to 8-49. This site is located on a small point of land on the opposite side of the bay from KaPf-72. There is a shallow grassy bay between the two sites. The hide-drying ring is rectangular, measuring 2.5 x 1 m, with six boulders. The 1 m wide quartz vein is adjacent to the boulder feature and runs for about 40 m east-west.

Discussion This site, and others containing quartz veins, needs more research to identify any precontact exploitation of the quartz as a lithic source.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-34, KaPf-74

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 202 0359812E 6886248N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-50 to 8-51. Feature 2. Hide-Drying Rings. GPS 203 0359831E 6886267N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-52 to 8-54. Feature 3. Tent Ring. GPS 204 0359879E 6886318N. 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-55 to 8-56. This site occupies part of an extensive bedrock outcrop that stretches off to the east and northeast, not all of which was surveyed. Feature 1 is probably a tent ring, or possibly two hide-drying rings, consisting of a 3 x 3 m rectangle of nine boulders, including two at the centre of the structure. Feature 2 is two adjoining hide-drying rings measuring in total 10 x 3 m with six boulders in each ring. Feature 3 is a very strongly built tent ring with a 3.5 x 3 m oval containing 36 boulders on a slight slope. A grove of trees shelters the site from the north.

Discussion The heavy construction of the Feature 3 tent ring and the situation in the shelter of the trees suggests that this site, or at least this structure, may have been occupied in during a colder part of the year, perhaps in late fall.

Recommendation

S-35, KaPf-75

Description Feature 1. Birchbark Press or Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 205 0359933E 6886296N. 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-57 to 8-58. Feature 2. Three Hide-Drying Rings and One Tent Ring. GPS 206 0359956E 6886308N. 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-59 to 8-60. Feature 3. Three Hide-Drying Rings and One Tent Ring. GPS 207 0359955E 6886288N. 168 m asl (12.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-61 to 8-62. This large and complex site is located on the high point of the bedrock outcrop, more than 200 m from the shore of Great Slave Lake, overlooking a cluster of islands at the mouth of Matonabbee Bay. Feature 1 is a 3 m long alignment of five boulders, with an additional boulder 1.5 m north of the centre of the alignment. It could either be a birchbark or toboggan press, with one boulder removed on the opposite side from the others, or an elongated hide-drying ring. Feature 2 consists of a tent ring and three adjoining hide-drying rings measuring overall 8 x 6 m and containing 43 boulders. Feature 3 is another combination of a tent ring and three adjoining hide-drying rings containing 36 boulders

Discussion Groups of sites such as S-34 to –38, where 25 or more boulder features are located within 300 m of each other, suggests that this area has many attributes which attracted considerable use, possibly over a long time period. Additional surveys should be conducted further to the northeast and east along this and other bedrock outcrops.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-36, KaPf-76

Description Feature 1. Quartz Vein. GPS 208 0359974E 6886327N. 166 m asl (9.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-63 to 8-64. Feature 2. Toboggan Press. GPS 209 0360008E 6886335N. 166 m asl (9.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-66 to 8-67. This site is located on a high part of the bedrock outcrop. Feature 1 is a complex of four quartz veins and a large block of quartz extending over 16 m. Each vein has a pocket of debitage associated. Feature 2 is a 4 m long alignment of seven boulders, most likely a birchbark or toboggan press.

Discussion As with S-34, 35, 37 and 38, this area requires more investigation.

Recommendation

S-37, KaPf-77

Description Feature 1. Quartz Vein. GPS 210 0359997E 6886210N. 169 m asl (12.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-68 to 8-69. Feature 2. Toboggan Press and Hearth. GPS 211 0360012E 6886215N. 169 m asl (12.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-70 to 8-71. Feature 3. Toboggan Press. GPS 212 0360027E 6886201N. 170 m asl (13.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-72 to 8-73. Feature 4. Tent Ring. GPS 213 0359964E 6886176N. 173 m asl (16.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-74 to 8-75. Feature 5. Toboggan Press. GPS 214 0359952E 6886190N. 172 m asl (15.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-76 to 8-77. Feature 6. Boulder Feature. GPS 215 0359939E 6886188N. 173 m asl (16.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-78 to 8-79. Feature 7. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 216 0359874E 6886202N. 172 m asl (15.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-80 to 8-81. This site is located on the high bedrock outcrop overlooking the cluster of islands at the mouth of Matonabbee Bay. Feature 1 is a large quartz vein that may have been blasted by a prospector as there are gold-coloured flecks in the quartz and chunks of the material scattered around the outcrop. Feature 2 is a 3 m long birchbark or toboggan press consisting of four boulders, with a six-boulder hearth adjacent, 3 m to the east. Feature 3 is a second birchbark or toboggan press 5 m long consisting of 10 boulders in two parallel alignments 1 m apart. Feature 4 is a 3 x 2.5 m oval tent ring with 10 boulders. Feature 5 is a third birchbark or toboggan press 5 m long, consisting of one alignment of four boulders. Feature 6 consists of two clusters of boulders 6 m apart, which may have weighted down a toboggan or sheet of birchbark. Feature 7 is a 2.5 x 2 m triangular hide- drying ring consisting of eight boulders.

Discussion This bedrock outcrop extends a considerable distance south onto a peninsula and eastwards towards the north side of Matonabbee Bay. No time was available to survey in this direction, but it is likely that additional sites are present.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-38, KaPf-78

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 217 0359859E 6886232N. 173 m asl (16.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-82 to 8-83. Feature 2. Tent Ring. GPS 218 0359855E 6886227N. 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-84 to 8-85.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Feature 3. Hide-Drying Rings. GPS 219 0359868E 6886243N. 168 m asl (11.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-86 to 8-87. This site is located on the height of the bedrock outcrop above KaPf-77. Feature 1 is a triangular hide-drying ring consisting of eight boulders. Feature 2 is a 4 x 3 m tent ring with an inner ring of eight boulders and an outer ring of 10 boulders. Feature 3 consists of three adjacent hide-drying rings, each with five boulders.

Discussion This site is quite high above the lake and up to 200 m north of the lake shore. There is a good view of the lake and good exposure to sunlight and breezes. The bedrock is quite flat and clear of trees and brush. Seasonal resources around the site include moose, waterfowl on the lake, berries, game birds, and furbearers in the lakes and ponds to the northeast.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-39, KaPf-79

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring and Tent Frame. GPS 221 0360585E 6884681N. 160 m asl (3.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-99 to 8-100. Feature 2. Tent Ring. GPS 222 0360562E 6884666N. 157 m asl (<1 m above lake level). Photos 8-101 to 8-102. This site is located on an island more than 1 km off the mainland coast near the mouth of Matonabbee Bay. Feature 1 consist of a 4.5 x 2.5 hide-drying ring and a nearby recent tent frame and gill net. Feature 2 is a 3.5 x 3.5 m rectangular tent ring. Only the south shore of this island was surveyed.

Discussion As discussed earlier, islands are favoured by contemporary Dene as camp sites due to the lower chances of encountering a bear, the lower likelihood of being affected by forest fire, the opportunity to escape biting insects, and the possibility of deeper water boat approaches. The lower populations of moose on the islands probably will result in a lower density of the hide-drying rings, unless the hides were transported from the mainland to the islands. For example, during the 2003 survey of Burnt Island, 2 km southeast of the mouth of Drybones Bay, only one of the 15 boulder features in the three sites recorded was identified as a hide-drying ring.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

S-40, KaPe-9

Description

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 223 0360716E 6884630N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-103 to 8-104. KaPe-9 is situated at the southeast corner of the small island near the mouth of Matonabbee Bay, 200 m east of KaPe-79. It consists of four boulders that form a small tent ring measuring 2 x 2 m.

Discussion Other neighbouring islands at the mouth of Matonabbee Bay were not surveyed, and should be, to increase knowledge of at least the historic period occupation of this area.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

Recent Camp 1, S-41, KaPe-10

Description Recent Camp Features. GPS 220 0363393E 6883216N. 155 m asl. Photos 8-90 to 8- 98. This site is situated at the southeast corner of the small island on which the Yellowknives Dene camped during the latter part of the Snowfield survey. The site consists of several recent-looking features including a muskratting camp and toboggan, several tent rings, a rack for hanging split fish and another for suspending drying moose strips, and two stone cairns built in the inuksuk style. No features were found that seemed older than the past fifty years or so.

Discussion Although there are recent materials in this site and no older-looking remains, this site has been recorded because of its ethnographic interest.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

Recent Camp 2, S-42, KaPf-80

Description Recent Camp Features. GPS 224 0360637E 6884681N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-105 to 8-106. This site is located on the same small island as KaPf-79 and KaPe-9, between the two. The site consists of a pile of tent poles, probably fallen from a former tent frame, and two boulders that may have helped anchor the tent. Two rusted tin cans are also present.

Discussion This site is quite recent but, for the same reasons as cited above, it has been recorded as because of its ethnographic value.

Recommendation

Recent Camp 3, S-43, KaPf-81

Description Recent Camp Features. GPS 225 0362376E 6883018N. 160 m asl (3.6 m above lake level). Photos 8-107 to 8-110. This site is located on the east side of the largest island at the mouth of Matonabbee Bay, with a smaller island immediately to the east. The site consists of several components from the recent historic period: a cache of short wooden boards; a slab hearth; a cast iron stove; and a kerosene can.

Discussion The rest of the island was not surveyed. Apart from the three islands on which sites were recorded by the Yellowknives Dene and reported to the project archaeologist, none of the other islands in the area, or the small islands northwest of Willow Island, were surveyed. It is likely that additional historic period sites are present on these islands.

Recommendation No mitigation is required at the present time.

In summary, we inferred from the presence of the many features on the Snowfield claim blocks interpreted as hide-drying rings that, prior to access to guns, hunters would set snares, deadfalls or other traps on a prescribed round of trails in good moose or caribou habitat. They would periodically check the snares or traps, remove the quarry, butcher it and remove the hide, take the meat, sinew and other parts to camp, and take the hide to known, nearby outcrops where space was available to stretch the hides on wooden frames for the initial removal of the hair, fat and meat adhering, in an exposed area where breezes might help keep flies down. At some point in the processing, boulders readily or previously available were used for holding down the edges of the hide or stretching them with the aid of lines looped between cuts in the hide and the rock during drying.

Other site types commonly found include alignments for pressing birchbark or toboggans flat, tent rings, and quartz veins exhibiting evidence of use as lithic sources.

The discovery of more than 40 new cultural heritage sites within the Snowfield claim blocks, including many well back from the shore of Great Slave Lake, supports the findings of the 2003 survey, primarily around Drybones Bay, that this area is rich in sites that display a long and varied period of land use. While we made every effort to fully check all bedrock outcrops encountered during our surveys, which were for the most part confined to areas of current interest to the mineral exploration company such as drill sites, grids and access trails, some outcrops were too large or took us too far from our intended course so were not completely surveyed. Other bedrock outcrops seen were not inspected. As a result, it can be expected that other sites will be found within areas already inspected, as well as in parts of the claim blocks not yet surveyed.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Surprisingly little evidence was found of recent (i.e., during the last 50 or so years) camps, and those few that were recorded were found on islands. This suggests that deep, sheltered bays like Drybones and Matonabbee with easy access to interior rivers, ponds and lakes, as well as islands, which are more exposed to breezes and less at risk from fire and bears than the mainland, were preferred over the open, exposed outer coastline for historic period occupation by hunters, trappers and travellers. In both of these bays there is a proliferation of old cabins, and oral history on their occupants. No such cabin sites were found in our present study area, suggesting that the many boulder features predate the period of intensive land use by the Yellowknives Dene over the past century or so. Certainly, the utilized quartz veins and the few artifacts noted are from the precontact period; at least some of the boulder features may also be.

4.3 Surveys of East Arm and North Arm with Yellowknives Dene

This survey had to be broken into two parts because of prior commitments and because we would have needed to refuel and re-supply at least once in any case during this ambitious project. The objective was to document as many as possible of the known cemetery and habitation sites that can be attributed through traditional knowledge to the YKDFN, and incidentally al other sites encountered.

The first part of the survey began at Taltheilei Narrows on the east Arm of Great Slave Lake and worked westward to the Gros Cap area. Thirty-three new sites were recorded and two formerly-recorded sites were revisited. The new sites are identified by the prefix YKD-, followed by the numbers in which they were found. Temporary Borden numbers have been assigned by the Canadian Museum of Civilization (L. Johanis 2004, pers. comm.).

YKD-1, JlPi-1

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. Map Sheet 85 H/14, GPS 367 0375682E 6874973N. 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-5 to 1-6. This site is located on the south side of a large island on the east side of the mouth of Campbell Bay, 9 km east of Gros Cap. The hide-drying ring is situated on a bedrock outcrop 100 m from the south shore of the island. The eight boulders, which are lichen covered, form a 3 x 5 m triangular arrangement.

Discussion The lichen cover and general appearance suggest that this site is relatively old. No artifacts were found in association. Several other boulder features were noted between this site and the south shore of the island and towards the southeast but were not recorded due to time pressure. The rest of the island was not surveyed. Campbell Bay is on the main travel route between the North Arm and East Arm of Great Slave Lake via Devils Channel and Goulet Bay. Seven other sites were found in this area during brief surveys.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. In view of the Dene preference for camping on islands and the importance of this area not just for travel but also for habitation and land use during the early 20th century (P. Goulet, pers. comm.), more intensive surveys should be conducted on the islands and adjacent mainland around Campbell Bay, Goulet Bay, Devils Channel and the islands south of Devils Channel.

YKD-2, KdNw-6

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/1, GPS 368 0427134E 6885654N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-7 to 1-8. This site is located above a small bay 1.7 km northeast of McKinley Point, a prominent landmark along Hearne Channel, overlooking Blanchet Island to the south. The site consists of a 6 m diameter round tent ring with six boulders on the perimeter and two more inside. Several quartz flakes were also noted in the vicinity of the tent ring but could not be found again while the site was being recorded (we had stopped here briefly for a rest on the long one-day haul from Dettah to Taltheilei Narrows, a distance of 200 km).

Discussion One other site was previously on record in this area: KaPb-1, a small precontact site consisting of two hearths and a small collection of lithic material which Noble assigned to the Waldron River Complex of the Taltheilei Shale tradition, dating between A.D. 500- 900 (Noble 1968, 1981). This new site, situated just a few metres above lake level and containing some quartz flakes, may be related in time to KaPb-1.

The Northwest Territories Place Names Database (PWNHC 2004) provides some information on the geographical features in this area. Hearne Channel was named by G.H. Blanchet in 1922, presumably after explorer Samuel Hearne, who crossed the lake in 1772. Blanchet was a Dominion Land Surveyor, who conducted extensive surveys in this area. Blanchet Island was named in 1923 by G.H. Blanchet, presumably after himself, and Pethei Peninsula was also named in 1922 by surveyor G.H. Blanchet, who suggested that the long narrow peninsula was once an island, indicated by an archaic name Petheynue, with ‘nue’ meaning island. Noble (1968) suggests that the name Pethei means ‘owl’. No information was available on McKinley Point or Etthen Island. Taltheilei Narrows, one of the most important landmarks on Great Slave Lake, was also named in 1922 by Blanchet but the name had earlier been obtained from the Dene by Oblate Missionary Father Emile Petitot in 1875 (PWNHC 2004).

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. No surveys, other than Noble’s brief stop at McKinley Point and our even briefer stop a few kilometres east for tea, have been undertaken along most of this stretch of coast between François Bay and Taltheilei Narrows, or on Blanchet and Etthen islands and the Pethei

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Peninsula on the south side of Hearne Channel. For the most part, the bare bedrock rises with varying degrees of steepness from the waters of Great Slave Lake, but there are occasional beaches, pockets of spruce, sheltered coves and low peninsulas where sites are likely to be present, both near the lake and higher in elevation on old terraces and level bedrock ridges. More intensive surveys conducted slowly and without the pressure of time would undoubtedly result in a high number of sites and more information on the precontact and historic period use of this important waterway and its hinterland.

YKD-3, KdNw-7

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 369 0470918E 6931472N. 157 m asl (<1 m above lake level). Photo 1-9. We arrived in the vicinity of Taltheilei Narrows at 10 p.m. on the first day of the survey, after travelling for nine hours from Dettah. As usual, we camped on an island, 9 km southwest of Taltheilei Narrows near the end of Hearne Channel. The next morning, prior to traveling to the Narrows, we surveyed the island on which we camped and the adjacent island to the northwest. YKD-3 is one of three sites found on this island; an additional three sites were found on the island adjacent. All of the sites found were on the east sides of the islands. KdNw-7 is located on the southeast corner of the island and consists of a 4 m diameter circular tent ring of eight boulders set into a moss-covered bedrock outcrop, exhibiting some antiquity.

Discussion There are many other tent rings, hide-drying rings and caches on this side of the island that were not recorded. The islands at the north end of Hearne Channel provide good camping places for people travelling through the Narrows, offering the usual island attributes, and proximity to the dog-team route by-passing the Narrows, and as a place from which to observe caribou travel across the narrowing lake.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. A more intensive survey should be conducted on this island, particularly on the east side and height of land, and on the bedrock slope where we camped on the southern tip of the island. While some of the boulder structures there are undoubtedly modern, others may be older.

YKD-4, KdNw-8

Description Features 1 and 2. Tent Ring and Birchbark or Toboggan Press. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 371 0470881E 6931640N. 168 m asl (11.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-10 to 1- 12. This site is located on a bedrock outcrop at the height of land 250 m from the northeast tip of the island. The site consists of a 3 m circular tent ring of six boulders and two boulders 3 m apart, interpreted as a birchbark or toboggan press.

Discussion As described above in Section 4.2, the boulder press is considered to be a device to keep a toboggan flat over the summer, when it is not in use, or to hold down the edges of a sheet of birchbark preparatory to it being sewn and used to cover a canoe. Both structures, which are often as long as 4-5 m or more and use several boulders in one or two linear alignments, are usually found on level, flat bedrock outcrops clear of trees, shrubs or other vegetation. The boulders in these sites always appear to have been transported to the site, usually from somewhere off the outcrop. Other boulder features were noted on the summit but were not recorded.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. However, the summit of the hill around the site could benefit from more intensive survey.

YKD-5, KdNw-9

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 372 0470899E 6931703N. 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-13 to 1-17. This site is located on a bedrock outcrop sloping northeastward towards the tip of the island, 80 m distant. The site consists of a scatter of approximately 200 grey shale flakes and cores and several probable hammerstones. The artifacts are clustered together in groups of 10-100 over an area of 8 x 3 m on the bedrock slope, partially covered by moss. One tool, a biface preform, was collected (from the coordinates provided above).

Discussion The site today is sheltered and screened by alder, birch and spruce, but at the time of occupation, the people reducing shale cores to finished tools may have had a clear view to the east and north. Noble suggests that this material is available in outcrops on eastern Great Slave Lake, and is usually thought of as the most prolifically-used raw material type during the Taltheilei Shale tradition, which extends from 2500-150 years ago (Noble 1981: 103). During surveys from 1967-1969, Noble traced 10 separate and successive complexes within this tradition, finding the sites ranging from 1.5-21 m above the water level on Great Slave Lake. If the 10.6 m elevation recorded by the project GPS is anywhere near accurate, this site falls within the elevation range (32-38 feet, or 10-11.5 m) cited by Noble as belonging to one of the middle of the 10 phases, the Waldron complex, which dates to A.D. 400-800 (Noble 1981: 104). The final complex is the early historic pre-missionary Reliance phase, which Noble sees as an aboriginal Athapaskan culture ancestral to the Yellowknife-Chipewyan people (Noble 1981: 103).

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. However, the northeast end of the island could benefit from more intensive survey to locate any additional occurrences of shale artifacts.

Description Feature 1. Old Fishing Lodge and Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 373 0473004E 6941002N. 162 m asl (5.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-21. This site is located on the northern point on the west side of Taltheilei Narrows, where the original fishing lodge was built around 1940. A site immediately east of the old lodge was recorded as KdNw-2 in 1966 by Noble, but the site form makes no mention of the lodge, the remains of which are now at least 64 years old, qualifying them as an archaeological site in the Northwest Territories. In addition to the lodge remains, several flakes and cores of grey shale were found on the mossy gravel surface of the same high terrace between the lodge and the trail leading to the wharf.

Discussion The lodge remains consist of at least seven building foundations and sets of pilings on which buildings would have stood. The shale artifacts were found at the southwest end of the site, at least 20 m from the nearest building remains. This site is recorded as a separate site because of the age of the lodge remains (at least 64 years) and the presence of the lithic material The wide distribution of material indicates that the entire peninsula was most likely occupied at different periods.

The Taltheilei Narrows form the only means of water travel between the east end of Great Slave Lake (McLeod Bay) and the rest of the lake. In winter, the strong currents through the southernmost of the two sets of narrows, only 300 m wide, keeps water open or only intermittently frozen, and the Narrows are avoided by dog teams and snowmobiles. Instead, a 6 km long trail loops around the Narrows via a long lake to the west of the Narrows, with the northern terminus at the bottom of the bay 700 m southwest of YKD-6 and KdNw-2. Another precontact site, KdNw-3, is present on a series of beach ridges above the head of this bay and may indicate that this trail was used in the precontact period as well as the historic period. This site, too, has been looted (Noble 1966-1969).

The Narrows also form a travel route for caribou and other mammals between the north side of Great Slave Lake and the Pethei peninsula and south side of the lake, so provides a good place to intercept caribou. This location, for many reasons, has been a focus for settlement, land use, resource exploitation and travel for millennia, so can be expected to be rich in archaeological and historic period sites. Prior to our visit, five sites had previously been recorded around the Narrows, as described above in Section 3 and summarized below.

KdNw-1 is located west of the deep bay between the old lodge site and the new lodge. Material from the very extensive site was originally thought to date back to at least 7,000 years ago, but Noble later suggested that the diagnostic shale artifacts could instead fit within the Taltheilei tradition, extending back only to 2,500 years ago (Noble 1968, 1981). The site appears to be located adjacent to the southwest end of the lodge runway and may therefore have been affected by runway construction and maintenance.

KdNw-2 is located at the east end of the peninsula on which the old lodge was built, at the northern entrance to the Taltheilei Narrows. The extensive and important site extends over 14 beach ridges formed during successively lower levels of Great Slave Lake, and may date back to at least 3,500-2,500 years ago and then through the 2,400 year period of the Taltheilei tradition (Noble 1966-1969, 1981).

KdNw-3is located near the southwest corner of the bay between the two points on the west side of the Narrows, between the airstrip and the new lodge and adjacent to a service road between the lodge and the runway. The site consists of a scatter of lithic material spread over several beach ridges, which had evidently been disturbed by people digging for artifacts (Noble 1966-1969).

KdNw-4 is located on the high point of land on the Pethei Peninsula on the east side of the Narrows, overlooking the northern peninsula on the west side and McLeod Bay to the north. Noble (1966-1969) describes the site as a rich deposit of lithic material on a lower plateau.

KdNw-5 was named by Noble as Fort Fond Du Lac and is located immediately north of the east end of the lodge runway. The site was visited by Warburton Pike in 1889 and 1890 and again by Noble in 1968, at which time Noble counted 11 old graves marked by rotting wooden fences and described the site as a “reasonably old Yellowknife Indian” cemetery (Noble 1966-1969). Margaret Bertulli re-visited the site in 1987 and identified 14 graves and grave fences (Bertulli 1987). Bertulli cites a description of the Fond Du Lac site by Warburton Pike as including “a single house at the head of a snug little bay is all that is left standing, but the ruins of others, and a number of rough graves, show that at one time it was a more populous place. It was formerly an outpost of Fort resolution, used as a depot for collecting meat” (Pike 1917: 32 in Bertulli 1987). The site was visited again by Tom Andrews (2002), who recorded all 14 grave features formerly recorded by Bertulli, and also noted that additional graves had at one time been present on the northeast side of the runway, in the vicinity of site KdNw-2.

In addition to these recorded archaeological sites, the YKDFN participants in the 2004 survey and Fred Sangris (2004, pers. comm.) recalled the presence of a trading post 1 km south of the new lodge, an old village site near the southern terminus of the trail that detours around the west side of the Narrows, and another possible trading post 1 km north of the old lodge.

Recommendation There is a high density of archaeological sites around Taltheilei Narrows and the potential for the presence of additional sites. The establishment of a fishing lodge in 1940 and a new lodge some years later, plus an airstrip, docks, access trails, quarries and other infrastructure, and the periodic looting of some of the sites has undoubtedly had a negative effect on the significant archaeological and historic heritage of this area. It is recommended that no further expansion of the lodge or airstrip or other modification of associated infrastructure, including cleanup of the old lodge and development and use of

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 new remote picnic sites used by Lodge guides and guests, be permitted without a prior archaeological assessment. In addition, it is recommended that all five of the sites recorded by Noble be revisited and their present status recorded. If necessary to prevent their loss from looting or other activities, artifacts noted on the surface should be recorded in situ and collected. Furthermore, in view of the high level of activity around the Narrows, a more intensive survey should be conducted so that other sites that may be affected can be recorded and mitigation options considered. Andrews proposed a similar list of recommendations (Andrews 2002).

KdNw-5 Fort Fond Du Lac (Cemetery, Map Sheet 75 L/12)

Description Feature 1. Gravestone. GPS 374 0472863E 6941252N. 152 m asl. Photos 1-23 to 1- 24. Feature 2. Pile of Cemetery Fence Posts. GPS 383 0472896E 6941209N. 152 m asl. Photos 1-27 to 1-28. Feature 3. Cluster of Fence Pickets and Four Grave Crosses. GPS 384 0472882E 6941201N. 153 m asl. Photos 1-30 to 1-32. Feature 4. Section of Grave Fence. GPS 385 0472873E 6941201N. 155 m asl. Photo 1-33. Feature 5. Pile of Cemetery Fence Posts. GPS 386 0472884E 6941207N. 159 m asl. Photo 1-34. Feature 6. Child’s Grave Fence. GPS 387 0472885E 6941214N. 157 m asl. Photo 1-35. Feature 7. Section of Grave Fence. GPS 388 0472882E 6941221N. 159 m asl. Photo 1-36. Feature 8. Section of Grave Fence. GPS 389 0472868E 6941215N. 159 m asl. Photos 1-37 to 1-38. Feature 9. Section Grave Fence. GPS 390 0472864E 6941210N. 159 m asl. Photos 1-40 to 1-41. Feature 10. Grave Cross. GPS 391 0472851E 6941216N. 160 m asl. Photos 1-42 to 1-43. Feature 11. Large Cross. GPS 392 0472865E 6941224N. 161 m asl. Photos 1-44 to 1-45. This cemetery dates back into the 19th century, as witnessed by Pike’s visit in 1899 and the presence of a headstone also dated 1899. It is likely that the headstone postdates the other graves. The features noted above were all that were seen during a several-hour visit to the site in 2004. Feature 1 consists of a headstone inscribed:

In Memory Of Beloved Daughter Of J. K. Beaulieu Marie Rose K. Beaulieu Born Jan 4 1884 Died Oct 15 1899

The gravestone is located in a low, wet area of the cemetery some distance from other burial remains. There are some remains of an old grave fence around the headstone, suggesting that the headstone might have been added to an earlier grave. Feature 2 is a pile of fence posts that probably marked the perimeter of the cemetery and may have been displaced during construction or extension of the Lodge runway, the closest area of which is only 10 m to the south. Feature 3 is a displaced pile of fence posts, pickets and at least four grave crosses, 20 m north of the cleared area at the edge of the runway. Feature 4 is part of a grave fence in an area that does not appear to have been disturbed. Feature 5 is another pile of fence posts. Feature 6 is part of a child’s grave, with sections of a low fence and a wooden box frame. Feature 7 is part of a grave fence. Features 8 and 9 are isolated sections of grave fence. Feature 10 is an isolated cross. Feature 11 is an isolated large cross, most likely a marker for the cemetery. The cemetery, which extends over an area of at least 30 x 40 m, is quite overgrown with willows and spruce.

Discussion As described above, this cemetery was formally recorded as an archaeological site in 1968 by William Noble as KdNw-5 (Noble 1966-1969). The designation as an archaeological site, with a Borden number, offers it protection under Territorial legislation. However, at the time of Noble’s visit, the site may already have been disturbed by construction of the Lodge runway. One of the other site forms from this area, KdNw-3, describes the site in relation to the runway (Noble 1968). Tom Andrews (2004, pers. comm.) confirmed that the runway was already in existence by 1969, when it was brought under lease. Judging by the number of individual grave crosses, the headstone and Noble’s report, at least 11 people were buried here, most likely in the 19th century. The cemetery, with its large wooden cross and picket fence, would probably have been visible to people passing through the Narrows or bypassing the Narrows on the dog team trail. At least part of the cemetery fence, and possibly some of the grave markers, were evidently disturbed and displaced during construction, expansion and/or maintenance of the Lodge runway. Elders in the survey party thought that there was some possibility of graves having been buried beneath the east end of the runway; however, it is possible that only parts of the cemetery perimeter fence were moved and that this low area, through which a small stream flows today, may not have been used for burials. A ground-penetrating radar survey was conducted at the end of the runway in 2002 by Brian Moorman (2002). No evidence was found of any graves beneath the runway fill.

Recommendation This site, an aboriginal Christian cemetery, is at risk from continuing activities such as expansion, snow clearing, drainage improvements or creation of a new apron at the runway, and from curious visitors who might inadvertently disturb, displace or damage the fragile wooden grave markers. It is recommended that a new fence be erected alongside the runway to protect the cemetery from any disturbance associated with operation of the runway, and as a reminder to visitors that on the other side of the fence there is a human cemetery that should be treated with respect. Ideally, a survey using

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 ground-penetrating radar should be conducted to locate remains of those buried in the cemetery, which could then be marked again by new fences and crosses. Moorman, prior to testing beneath the runway, found clear evidence of two graves at the cemetery using the ground-penetrating radar techniques (Moorman 2002).

KdNw-2, Taltheilei Point

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 393 0473085E 6941088N. 156 m asl. Photos 1-46 to 1-47. This site is located on the northern peninsula on the west side of Taltheilei Narrows, immediately east of the site of the original 1940s fishing lodge. The site form for KdNw- 2 indicates that this site extends over a series of 14 beaches and that quartz, quartzite and shale artifacts and flakes were found (Noble 1966-1969). The site form places KdNw-2 approximately 100 m northeast of the new site described above as YKD-6 (KdNw-10). An excavation trench and backdirt piles and a scatter of shale flakes probably mark at least one place where Noble conducted his excavations at KdNw-2, although this could also be evidence of intensive looting.

Discussion This site has been thoroughly investigated, but probably contains pockets of undisturbed material. The proximity to the old lodge suggests that parts of the site may already have been disturbed by lodge-related activities and by looting (not necessarily by lodge staff or guests). The site is significant in that it helped Noble build a culture history for the region, based on the presence of diagnostic archaeological material on a series of beach ridges climbing from near present water level to the summit of the point. In addition, Andrews reported that there were aboriginal graves once visible at this site (Andrews 2002).

Recommendation Because of the significance of this site, it is recommended that it be protected from any future disturbance. If the remains of the old lodge are ever removed, an archaeological assessment should be conducted prior to, during and following ground disturbance, which should be kept to a minimum. The present owners and managers of the Lodge should also ensure that their staff and guests are aware of Territorial legislation protecting archaeological remains and endeavour to make sure that no unauthorized disturbance or surface collecting is permitted at any archaeological sites in the vicinity of the lodge, or at sites visited or found during excursions from the lodge, and that any potentially new sites found during fishing or hunting trips are not disturbed and are reported to the PWNHC

YKD-7, KdNw-11

Description Feature 1. Log Cabin. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 394 0473404E 6942117N. 157 m asl (<1 m above lake level). Photo 1-49.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 This site was reported to us by Grant Nolan, manager at Plummer’s Lodge at Taltheilei Narrows (G. Nolan 2004, pers. comm.). He said that he frequently flies over it en route to and from the Lodge, and described it as an old log cabin, possibly a trading post. The site is 1.75 km due north of the new lodge, 1 km north of the northern end of the Narrows, immediately south of a tiny bay on the west side of McLeod Bay. There is a small island 300 m northeast of the site. The site consists of a single notched log cabin with a plywood roof, a new wooden door and window and fiberglas insulation in the chinks between the logs. While the original cabin may be a few decades old, the renovations date from the last 25-30 years or so (P. Sangris 2004, pers. comm.).

Discussion It is likely that this cabin was built originally as a trapping base camp, but appears to be used today as more of an emergency shelter for people traveling on the East Arm. The terrace on which the cabin is situated is low and unlikely to have been exposed during the precontact period.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. From here, we headed south back through the Narrows to look for two additional sites reported by Grant Nolan and Fred Sangris, one being a possible trading post about 1 km south of the Lodge and the other a village site near the southern terminus of the winter trail, both on the west side of Hearne Channel. We were unable to approach close enough to either place because of shallow water, and both locations seemed to be very low and possibly unsuitable for habitation, so neither site was found. However, a foot survey south from the Lodge to the trail terminus would probably be more successful.

YKD-8, KdNw-12

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 395 0471031E 6932820N. 166 m asl (9.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-50 to 1-53. The elders thought that the afternoon was too windy for extended boat travel, so while we waited for the wind to subside I checked the 1.7 km long east side of the big island adjacent to our camp island, finding four new sites. YKD-8 is located at the extreme northeast end of the island and consists of a scatter or red jasper or slate in a small eroded gravel exposure on a bedrock outcrop 10 m from the edge of a steep drop off to the lake, at an elevation of 10 m or more above lake level. Two tool fragments were collected from the 15 or so flakes and fragments present.

Discussion Artifact 1 is a fragment of a jasper or slate biface. Artifact 2 is a core fragment of the same material. A nodule of this reddish-brown material was also found embedded in the bedrock, suggesting a local source for the artifacts at the site. The 10 m elevation places this site within the range for the Waldron River complex (A.D. 400-800) or the Narrows complex (A.D. 800-1100) according to Noble’s chronology for the Taltheilei tradition. People of the earliest Taltheilei tradition, known as the Hennessey complex (500-200

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 B.C., with sites found in the 19-21 m elevation range) used red slate, shale and other materials as well as the more ubiquitous quartzite. This location provides a good view of potential caribou crossings to the north where Hearne Channel narrows as it approaches Taltheilei Narrows. As well as the Narrows themselves, a long thin island is located between the east and west shores of the Channel and may have been incorporated in a crossing route.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. This island and the other islands and adjacent mainland at the north end of Hearne Channel should be more thoroughly surveyed for evidence of precontact lithic sources, camp sites and evidence of precontact and historic period exploitation of caribou crossing routes, among other types of sites.

YKD-9, KdNw-13

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter and Boulder Feature. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 396 0471120E 6932556N. 166 m asl (9.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-54 to 1-56. This site is located on the northeast side of the island, 8.3 km southwest of the Narrows and 300 m south of YKD-8. The site consists of a scatter of grey shale on a high bedrock slope about 10 m above the lake level. Approximately 100 flakes are scattered about a 1 x 2 m area between two boulders and around a single flat slab. A probable hearth consisting of four rocks is situated 1 m south of the lithic scatter.

Discussion The two boulders are 2 m apart and may represent a later birchbark or toboggan press, or more likely part of a shelter contemporaneous with the lithic scatter, with the open side facing the hearth. As with YKD-8, the elevation places this site within the range for the Waldron River complex (A.D. 400-800) or the Narrows complex (A.D. 800-1100) according to Noble’s chronology for the Taltheilei tradition.

YKD-10, KdNw-14

Description Feature 1. Lithic Quarry. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 397 0471033E 6932444N. 171 m asl (14.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-57 to 1-60. This possible quarry is situated on a high bedrock ridge about 100 m west of the east shore of the big island, 200 m southwest of YKD-9. The site consists of a vein of shiny

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 red jasper or slate in the bedrock and a nodule of dull banded brown chert-like material also embedded in the bedrock, both within a metre of each other. There are also what appear to be flakes and cores scattered around the occurrences.

Discussion The elevation at approximately 15 m places this quarry site within the Taltheilei (200 B.C.-A.D. 200) or Windy Point (A.D. 200-400) complexes, and the presence of slate and chert would not be unexpected during these periods (Noble 1981).

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. Samples of both types of lithic material should be collected and compared with collections from this region and from dated sites, to positively identify them and to see where they fit in the chronology. This island and the other islands and adjacent mainland at the north end of Hearne Channel should be more thoroughly surveyed for evidence of precontact lithic sources, camp sites and evidence of precontact and historic period exploitation of caribou crossing routes, among other types of sites.

YKD-11, KdNw-15

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 75 L/12, GPS 398 0470490E 6931667N. 168 m asl (11.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-61 to 1-62. This site is located on a bedrock outcrop that slopes from the summit to the water near the south end of the big island, overlooking a narrow channel between this and the adjacent (camp) island. The site consists of a large number of chunks, flakes and slabs of a reddish-brown slate-like material.

Discussion This site is most likely a reduction station where blocks of slate or jasper, possibly removed from a source somewhere on the island, were broken down for use in making tools and tool preforms. A major deposit of the same material was noted about 200 m northeast of this site, towards YKD-10, but was not recorded as it appeared at first glance to be a natural occurrence. In retrospect, it may be that the two sites are related, one as a quarry and the other as a reduction station.

The survey of the island ended at the southwestern tip where a gravel beach and level terrace are used by the Lodge guides as a picnic place. No traces were found in the area of any earlier use of the location.

Recommendation KdNw-15 is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. Samples of the lithic material from this site, from the potential quarry 200 m northeast and from KdNw-14 should be collected and compared with collections from this region and from dated sites, to see where they fit in the chronology and to positively identify the material type. This island and the other islands and adjacent mainland at the north end of Hearne

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Channel should be more thoroughly surveyed for additional evidence of precontact lithic sources, camp sites and evidence of precontact and historic period exploitation of caribou crossing routes, among other types of sites.

YKD-12, KcNw-1

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring and Boulder Feature. Map Sheet 75 L/5, GPS 400 0465932E 6918906N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-67. Once the wind had died down sufficiently in late evening we set off south down Hearne Channel, hugging the shore of Pethei Peninsula to keep out of the wind, heading ultimately towards a camp site on a small island in the mouth of an unnamed bay 11 km southwest of Sachowia Point. En route, we stopped for supper at a bay on the north side of a prominent peninsula on Pethei Peninsula that had also been used as a picnic place for Lodge guests, and was equipped with barbecues and tables. This area seemed to have high potential for the presence of archaeological remains, with an easily approached gravel beach and a series of gravel beach terraces marching for several metres in elevation back from the beach. However, no sites were found, although no test-pitting was conducted. The south facing beach on the other side of the peninsula was also walked to but was narrow and muddy and backed by a steep slope, and lacked any of the attributes of the north side; no sites were found. A second peninsula, 1 km south of the first, seemed to also have good archaeological potential on a series of beach ridges above the south-facing beach, but we did not stop.

We did stop again later that evening, still waiting for the wind to drop before crossing the Channel, at Point Busse at the tip of one of the long southwestern fingers of the Pethei peninsula. One small site was found, consisting of a semicircular tent ring 3.5 m in diameter and a four-boulder hearth or hide-drying ring. Both features were heavily covered with lichen, suggesting some antiquity. Several more recent hearths, some shotgun shells and several axe- and saw-cut tree stumps indicate that we were not the first to take shelter here.

Discussion The Pethei Peninsula is bordered on the west side by a steep cliff rising 150 m or more from the lake. There are places, however, where camps could be situated and there are most likely many archaeological sites, especially along the lower east side. We eventually left Point Busse and set off across the lake to Sachowia Point and reached a small island in the mouth of an unnamed bay by 10.30 that night. We set up camp in and around a cabin on the island. Sachowia Point is a massive headland highly visible from many directions on the lake and an important landmark for people traveling on the lake or lake ice. It was named Shachowia Point in 1922 by G.H. Blanchet, but the meaning of the name is unknown (PWNHC 2004).

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Recommendation The site at Point Busse is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. The peninsulas, islands and low parts of Pethei Peninsula and adjacent Etthen Island to the south would undoubtedly benefit from additional surveys.

YKD-13, KbNx-2

Description Feature 1. Tent Rings and Hearth. Map Sheet 75 L/5, GPS 401 0452107E 6910355N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-68 to 1-70. Feature 2. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 75 L/5, GPS 402 0452093E 6910347N. 174 m asl (17.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-71. This site is located west of the cabin at which we were camped overnight, on a high bedrock outcrop with a view south across the lake from Robin Island (as it is apparently called by the owners of the cabin). Robin Island stretches across the mouth of a 3 km deep bay, 10.5 km southwest of Sachowia Point. The site consists of several boulder features. Feature 1 includes a 3 m diameter circular tent ring of 11 boulders with another five outside the inner ring. A second feature, most likely a rectangular hide-drying ring measuring 1.5 x 1.5 m and consisting of 16 boulders is 4 m south of the tent ring. A small hearth with three rocks and another hide-drying ring are also present. Feature 2 consists of a 2 x 1 m rectangle of 16 boulders in two parallel alignments, possibly a birchbark press with the boulders removed to both sides or a small tent ring. This feature is covered in lichen and well buried in the lichen cover on the bedrock, so looks quite old.

Discussion Peter Sangris said that this bay used to be full of hunters from Dettah, Ndilo and Rae- Edzo who came here by dog team to hunt caribou, which hung around in this area through the winter. In March-April, the caribou herds move northeastward along the lake past Taltheilei Narrows and onto the barren grounds for the summer. People used to come here in winter hoping to find a small herd, and would just scrape a hole in the snow, light a long fire from the plentiful timber, and camp without tents, just wrapped in blankets overnight. The meat from the hunt would then be taken back to the communities where the older women would cut it into strips and hang it over de-barked poles to dry. Peter said that the boulder structures that have been interpreted as hide-drying rings are simple shelters set up on high bedrock outcrops to catch a breeze, where a hunter or two would cover themselves over with canvas and perhaps mosquito netting to protect themselves from flies overnight (P. Sangris 2004, pers. comm.).

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. The rest of the island, which extends several hundred metres westward from the site, was not surveyed.

YKD-14, KbNx-3

Description

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 75 L/5, GPS 403 0451647E 6911043N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-72 to 1-73. This site is located on the southwestern tip of an island deeper into the same bay as the YKD-13 island, 10.8 km southwest of Sachowia Point, on a bedrock outcrop 15 m from the water. The site consists of a tent ring with 12 rocks and a probable hearth at the south side.

Discussion As mentioned previously, islands were favoured over mainland sites for temporary camps as they tend to be less prone to visits by bears and less likely to be affected by forest fires.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-15, KbNx-4

Description Feature 1. Old Cabin Site. Map Sheet 75 L/5, GPS 404 0451709E 6911147N. 162 m asl (5.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-74 to 1-77. This site is located 150 m northeast of YKD-14 on a bedrock outcrop on the summit of the same island, 10.75 km southwest of Sachowia Point. The site was evidently the location of a house or cabin measuring approximately 7 x 5 m. Alignments of grass and some burned logs indicate where the walls were. An additional 2.5 x 2 m outline of burned stumps inside the house outline is probably the remains of a root cellar, possibly located under the floor near the stove to keep produce from freezing. Material scattered around the outside of the cabin remains includes old motor parts, burned logs, stove parts, a saw blade, old rusted cans and other domestic refuse.

Discussion The profusion of burned logs and the absence of building remains suggest that the house burned down. The site has the appearance of considerable antiquity, perhaps as much as 100 years. The location is well sheltered, with easy access to the lake and to the interior via a trail that is still marked on the topographic map.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-16, KbNx-5 (Same site as ZAVR-072)

Description Feature 1. Trading Post Building. Map Sheet 75 L/5, GPS 405 0452764E 6911022N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-78 to 1-79. Feature 2. Trading Post Building. Map Sheet 75 L/5, GPS 406 0452762E 6911030N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-80, 81, 83. Feature 3. Roll of Sewn Birchbark. Map Sheet 75 L/5, GPS 407 0452764E 6911006N. 162 m asl (5.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-82.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 We left the bay after checking a bedrock point between the two islands and headed back west to check two sites recorded by avocational archaeologists. These are among four previously recorded sites in this part of the Hearne Channel:

ZAVR-072 was reported to be situated 1 km west of the mouth of the bay, 9.6 km southwest of Sachowia Point, and was interpreted as the remains of a trading post. We found this site and describe it below (YKD-16).

ZAVR-073 was reported to be 750 m east of the trading post and consisted of a small roofless cabin on the shoreline. We did not find this site.

KbNx-1 is the location where a cache of fishing equipment including 7 bone fishing objects and a twisted bark net were found beneath a rock ledge on an island between Etthen Island and Narrow Island. This site was not visited.

KcNx-1 is located on the north shore of Hearne Channel at the north end of Sachowia Bay, 3 km west of Sachowia Point. The site is described as a scatter of lithic material and fire-broken rock found around one of more hearths. This site was not visited.

Site YKD-16, most likely the same site on file at the CMC Sites Office as ZAVR-072, consists for the most part of two cabin outlines in a small clearing 20 m or so back from a gravel beach. Each of the cabins is identified by an outline of squared timbers with dovetail joints and wooden pegs. The westernmost of the two structures measures about 6 x 6 m (ca. 20 x 20 ft). The most prominent feature in both structures is a crumbling pile of rocks and mortar at the landward (north) end, presumably the remains of a fireplace or stove and oven. A depression to the west of the two buildings possibly marks the remains of a privy. Domestic items made of iron, wood and ceramic are scattered about the clearing. It is likely that other building remains are concealed in the brush surrounding the two cabins. Two rolls of birch bark were found in front of the cabins, each with holes for sewing to a canoe frame.

Discussion The original reporter’s interpretation of this site as a trading post is most likely correct. The location is good, on a heavily traveled route along the north shore of Hearne Channel, facing south for maximum sunlight, close to a trail leading into the interior, sheltered from the north by treed slopes and, according to informant Peter Sangris (2004, pers. comm.), in an area frequented by caribou during the winter months. The mortared ovens or stoves are uncharacteristic of other cabins encountered. Excavations in and around the cabins might reveal artifacts more indicative of a trading post than a domestic habitation.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. However, additional investigations on site and in the Territorial Archives as well as informant interviews would probably provide additional information on the date of use of this site, and who lived there. Bertulli, in discussing Warburton Pike, indicated that the Beaulieu

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 family was well known as traders and guides and mentioned Joseph King Beaulieu (1836?-1910) as Warburton Pike’s guide during his travels on the barren grounds, as well as a prominent trader (Bertulli 1987). It is possible that the trading post, well situated at the junction of Hearne Channel and Christie bay (leading to Lutsel K’e), was one of the posts managed by the Beaulieu family.

YKD-17 (Cemetery, Map Sheet 75 L/5), KcNx-2

Description Feature 1. Wooden Cross. GPS 408 0454161E 6911680N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-87 to 1-90. Feature 2. Wooden Cross. GPS 409 0454161E 6911673N. 152 m asl. Photos 1-91 to 1-92. We were unable to find the second site recorded by an avocational archaeologist (ZAVR- 073), but it would probably be found during a more intensive pedestrian survey along that part of the shore of Hearne Channel. The reported small size of the cabin (3 x 2 m) and the apparent age (lichen-covered logs for a bed frame), as well as its apparent proximity to a reported trading post are intriguing. We pulled into a narrow inlet just east of the reported site to check this area of apparent archaeological potential, and found a group of Yellowknife residents camped above a gravel beach on the east side. This is evidently a regular base for this group, who come out for several weeks of fishing and relaxation. One of the members of the group reported the presence of a small cemetery at the head of the inlet, so we investigated (P. Morck 2004, pers. comm.).

The cemetery occupies a small clearing on a path leading back to a lake behind the inlet, 50 m from the gravel beach. Two small wooden crosses were found, together with some offerings including a glass jar containing the ashes from a burned French language prayer book. Several mounds in the vicinity of the crosses indicate the presence of additional graves. According to Phil Morck, there used to be as many as 6-8 crosses marking graves in this small cemetery; people buried here are related to former Lutsel K’e resident Evelyn Cook (P. Morck, 2004, pers. comm.).

Discussion Cemeteries such as this one are common around the shores of Great Slave Lake. For the most part, they are allowed to fall into disrepair and blend back into the environment of which the deceased were once a part. Others are carefully tended, with new fences and crosses replacing the old. Where communities wish, perhaps a record could be maintained of these now remote informal (i.e., not associated with permanent communities) cemeteries so that the chances of inadvertent disturbance by industrial and recreational development are minimized.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. A renewed search should be made for the small cabin site ZAVR-073. Additional surveys along this part of Hearne Channel towards Sachowia Point and on Etthen Island on the other side of the Channel would probably produce more sites. The YKDFN elders told me that there is

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 an area of highly disturbed water between the north end of Etthen island and Utsingi Point, the southern tip of the Pethei Peninsula. The whirlpool-like conditions caused by conflicting currents are avoided by small boats during the summer months and by dog teams traveling on the winter ice, as there is always an area of open water there. The elders reported that there is a dog team trail that cuts across Etthen Island over a low pass between two sections of the escarpment, via a long narrow lake, 4 km south of the northern tip. Camp sites are probably located at one or both ends of this trail.

YKD-18, KaPc-1 Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 412 0399532E 6882750N. 147 m asl. Photo 1-96. Feature 2. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 419 0399472E 6882709N. 160 m asl (3.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-106 to 1-107. From the Sachowia Point area we proceeded southwest during the afternoon of July 23 through a channel between Narrow Island and the mainland towards François Bay, where we intended to camp for the night, 70 km from the previous night’s camping place on Robin Island. The Narrow Island Channel was inviting, with many low bedrock headlands and islands, sheltered bays and inlets, but we could not take the time to stop for a survey. We passed McKinley Point again, and noted a light tower on the height of land, and a small white cross for travelers.

We stopped just east of the mouth of François Bay where Alfred wanted us to see an unusual feature. We climbed up a slope to an elevation of about 15 m and found an almost perfectly round hole in the granite bedrock about 2.5 m in diameter and at least 1.5 m deep, partially filled with water. A second, smaller, cylindrical hole is located beside the first, with a tree growing inside it. The elders state that the water in these holes has healing power (A. Baillargeon); another similar feature is located at Willow Lake, several kilometres inland from Matonabbee Bay (F. Sangris 2004, pers. comm.). Mike Beauregard offered a geological explanation for the formation of these holes, suggesting that they are potholes created by the grinding of gravel and boulders in a depression in the rock, perhaps at a time when Glacial Lake McConnell was higher than this elevation. The depression would expand into a cylindrical hole, with harder boulders and gravel inside being agitated by the movement of the water. In order to create a hole at least 1.5 m deep, the hole may have had to be in the foreshore area of the glacial lake for a considerable length of time, where the movement of waves and storm surges would create the motion necessary for the movement of the boulders inside. It would be interesting to trace the occurrence of these and other potholes to see if they correspond with a hypothesized static level of Glacial Lake McConnell (M. Beauregard 2004, pers. comm.). In addition to the potholes, there is a large quartz vein south of the holes, showing evidence of having been blasted by a prospector. This area could benefit from a more intensive survey to locate any evidence of precontact use of this prominent vein.

We arrived at our camp site on the northeast corner of the largest island in François Bay, opposite a winter trail that follows the François River into the interior. After setting up camp, I set off to survey the north end of the island, finding five sites. Little information

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 is available in the Territorial place names database about the origin of the name François Bay, other than that is was formally recorded in 1936 by the Surveyor General from a suggestion by M.G. Cameron, D.L.S. (Dominion Land Survey) as this was a name in common use in the field (PWNHC 2004). However, the next bay west has a river draining into it that may have been named after François King Beaulieu, which suggests that François Bay was also named after him (see YKD-27). As noted earlier, the Beaulieu family was a prominent trading and guiding family in the 19th and early 20th centuries (Bertulli 1987).

YKD-18 is near the northern tip of the island on a bedrock outcrop. The site consists of two tent rings. Tent Ring 1 is rectangular, measuring 4.5 x 2 m, with eight boulders. Tent Ring 2 is 50 m to the southwest on the same moss-covered outcrop. It is circular, 5 m in diameter with 18 boulders.

Discussion This site has a beautiful view over the north end of François Bay. During two surveys of the bay we found 19 sites, suggesting that this was a place frequently visited for caribou hunting, as a base for trapping, and for fishing. Among the sites found was a single cabin site; Rachel Crapeau thought that there should be more, but we were unable to find them (R. Crapeau 2004, pers comm.). Parts of the big island and most of the adjacent small island were not surveyed and may contain additional cabin sites.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. Additional research should be conducted among Dene elders who may know of other more permanent cabin sites and perhaps also a cemetery in François Bay. This should be followed by archaeological surveys to document any such sites and add to the picture of historic and precontact land use in this large bay.

YKD-19, KaPc-2

Description Feature 1. Birchbark or Toboggan Press. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 413 0399319E 6882791N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-97. Feature 2. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 414 0399299E 6882768N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-98. Feature 3. Birchbark or Toboggan Press. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 415 0399302E 6882761N. 157 m asl (<1 m above lake level). Photos 1-99 to 1-100. This site is located on the same extensive bedrock system as YKD-18, 200 m further west on the north side of the big island. The site consists of a 4 m circular tent ring containing eight boulders, a birchbark or toboggan press 2 m south of the tent ring, with 10 boulders in a linear alignment, and a second press with seven boulders in a 4.5 m long line.

Discussion The presence of at least 12 tent rings, 10 birchbark or toboggan presses, four hide-drying rings, one hearth, a trapping site and three cabins in François Bay indicates that the bay

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 was used in all seasons. Additional research among Dene elders would help to establish a pattern of settlement and land use in this area.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-20, KaPc-3

Description Feature 1. Birchbark or Toboggan Press. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 416 0399250E 6882687N. 171 m asl (14.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-101 to 1-102. Feature 2. Birchbark or Toboggan Press and Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 418 0399298E 6882686N. 173 m asl (16.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-104 to 1-105. This site is located on the same bedrock outcrop as YKD-18 and –19, about 150-200 m southwest on the northeast side of the big island in François Bay. The site consists of three boulder features: two birchbark or toboggan presses, both measuring 5 m in length, each with 10 boulders in a straight alignment. The tent ring is circular, 2 m in diameter, with six inner boulders and an outer ring of four more boulders.

Discussion Each of these sites is some distance from the water of the bay, so was evidently located to take advantage of the breeze, sunlight and clean bedrock surface rather than the more accessible shores of the island.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-21, KaPc-4

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 417 0399140E 6882405N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-103. This site consists of a single oval tent ring measuring 3.5 x 3 m, with 15 boulders, located on a bedrock outcrop that slopes down to a wide bay on the east coast of the big island in François Bay. An adjacent quartz vein has been blasted by a prospector, resulting in quartz blocks scattered around the site.

Discussion This site is the furthest south of the five sites found at the northeast end of the island. Additional sites are probably present on other bedrock outcrops between here and the southeast corner of the island, in the interior and along the northwest coast.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. Additional investigations at the quartz vein should be undertaken to document any precontact exploitation.

YKD-22, KaPc-5

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 420 0399577E 6882613N. 172 m asl (15.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-108. This site is one of the few boulder features found on the big island in François Bay interpreted as a hide-drying ring. It measures 2 x 1 m and consists of eight boulders. The site is located at the extreme northeast corner of the island, with a view south out the bay towards Great Slave Lake.

Discussion The low numbers of hide-drying rings found in François Bay suggests that the moose so plentiful in the Drybones Bay area are less often found and hunted in this area.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-23

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 421 0397801E 6881047N. 152 m asl. Photos 1-109 to 1-110. After a quick dinner we resumed the search for the elusive village that Rachel Crapeau had documented in François Bay through informant interviews, and set off for the south side of the big island and the adjacent smaller island facing south across Hearne Channel. The first site found was on a bedrock outcrop on the southern peninsula on the smaller island, 30 m from the water. It consists of a 5 m diameter circular tent ring containing 32 inner rocks and two additional larger boulders outside the ring, used as extra guy anchors on either side of the tent ring.

Discussion This site looks quite old as the structural rocks are all heavily covered with lichen and there is a deep growth of grass and moss inside the feature.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. Most of this island has not been surveyed, and should be in an attempt to locate any additional cabin sites or other sites.

YKD-24, KaPc-7

Description Feature 1. Old Cabin Site. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 422 0398328E 6881316N. 156 m asl. Photos 1-111 to 1-112.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 This site is located near the southwest corner of the big island in François Bay, about 100 m from the channel between the two islands and 100 m north of the south shore. The site consists of at least one cabin foundation and associated refuse, with traces of perhaps two additional cabins alongside to the east, within a cleared area.

Discussion The cabin or house remains were identified by the presence of a large square burned timber in amongst a tangle of berry plants and weeds. Two similar patches of vegetation to the east probably mark the location of other house remains, although no timbers were found. A garbage dump downhill from the foundation and another adjacent to the middle of the three vegetation patches contain old rusted food cans, a tin stove, galvanized tin basins and some galvanized iron. It was reported to us that some of the old, abandoned cabin sites around this part of Great Slave Lake had been deliberately burned and a lot of the remains removed for disposal elsewhere, presumably in an attempt to clean up some of these old habitation sites. Unfortunately, this has resulted in the loss of diagnostic materials that could help date the sites, and the loss of markers like standing chimneys, cabin frames and refuse that help to identify the locations.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. Clarification should be obtained from the YKDFN as to whether this was the main village site in François Bay and, if so, how many houses were present and how old they were.

YKD-25, KaPc-8

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring and Hearth. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 423 0398430E 6881224N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-113 to 1-116. This site is located on a bedrock outcrop 250 m southeast of the village site on the south side of the big island in François Bay, 40 m from the water. The site consists of a 4 m diameter circular tent ring with nine boulders and an adjacent hearth with three large rocks and two smaller ones forming a 1 x 1 m rectangle.

Discussion This site would be quite exposed to fall and winter storms off Great Slave Lake, so was most likely occupied in summer.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-26, KaPc-9

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2, GPS 424 0398531E 6881173N. 154 m asl. Photos 1-117 to 1-118.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 This was the last site found during this first survey of François Bay. YKD-26 is a tent ring situated on a bedrock outcrop 40 m from the south shore of the big island, 150 m southeast of YKD-25. The tent ring is quite substantial, with 24 boulders in the inner ring and an additional four as outer anchors on the north side. A quartz vein located near the tent ring was judged not to have been exploited aboriginally. During a return visit in August we recorded another ten sites on the west and north sides of the bay. There are also three previously-recorded sites in the vicinity of François Bay, located during an early assessment of a proposed mine at Thor Lake, 4 km from the shore of Hearne Channel, 16 km northeast of François Bay.

KaPb-4 is located on the modern beach and several high beach ridges at the terminus of the road between Thor Lake and Hearne Channel. The site consists of several biface fragments and flakes of white quartz at elevations of 2-10 m above the lake, and some bone fragments and a moose bone hide flesher. The investigator assigned a date of A.D. 800 to present based on the elevations at which the material was found (Russell 1988).

KaPb-2 is the remains of an abandoned mining camp site from the 1980s on the shore of Thor Lake (Russell 1980).

KaPb-3 is a small lithic scatter of white quartz 1 km north of Thor Lake on the crest of a high ridge at an elevation of about 100 m above lake level (Russell 1980).

Discussion The substantial nature of the tent ring at YKD-26 suggests that it may have been used at a time when there was a strong north wind, resulting in the need for additional anchors on the north side of the structure.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. While we were successful in locating many boulder features that suggest historic period or perhaps late precontact period occupation of François Bay, as expected, we were not able to locate any definitive evidence of precontact occupation such as clearly exploited quartz veins or scatters of lithic materials such as quartz, quartzite, shale and chert. Surveys around François Bay, and elsewhere around Great Slave Lake, should involve investigations at elevations above the active shore and the bedrock outcrops that are visible and easily accessible from the shore. Noble’s chronology for the Taltheilei tradition, which dates between 2500-150 years ago, indicates that precontact sites from that period should be present on beach ridges (and bedrock outcrops) between about 5-20 m above current lake levels, generally higher than the surveys conducted during this trip. It should also be noted that we did not record the many modern-looking hearths, tent rings and other features that are scattered along and immediately above the shore, as these for the most part date within the past 50 years or so and are of little archaeological significance.

YKD-27, KaPd-1

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Description Feature 1. Cemetery. Map Sheet 85 I/3, GPS 425 0386197E 6880524N. 152 m asl. Photos 1-123 to 1-125. On July 24 we moved camp again, heading eastward towards Gros Cap with the knowledge that we were running low on gas and could not deviate much from a straight course between here and Dettah, and the added incentive that while the weather was good we should make as much distance as possible rather than be windbound in an area where we could not do much archaeological work and/or could not escape, as was our experience at the north end of Hearne Channel. The other difficulty that we had faced over the past three days was the thick smoke from forest fires that blanketed the landscape, and made navigation and inspection of potential stops from the water difficult. Some of the party were also feeling the effects of the constant smoke inhalation.

Our first stop of the day was in what we called Beaulieu Bay, 7 km west of François Bay, where we recorded five sites. The Beaulieu River drains south and provides a major travel route from the barren grounds near MacKay Lake into a succession of major lakes north of the East Arm of Great Slave Lake, including Sunset, Turnback, Tumpline, Hearne and Watta lakes, through Pauline Lake and ultimately empties into a shallow reedy lake before exiting into Beaulieu Bay. The Beaulieu River was first formally named by the Surveyor General in 1936 from a suggestion by M.G. Cameron, D.L.S, possibly in memory of François King Beaulieu, a Metis trader from Lac La Martre.

The elders knew of a small cemetery on the river south of Pauline Lake, so this was our first target. The cemetery is situated in a small 4 x 4 m overgrown clearing 10 m from the east bank of the last stretch of the Beaulieu River where it empties into the reedy lake. We found four fallen sections of fence, which seemed most likely to be all from the same grave.

Discussion This was the third cemetery that we had visited in three days of surveys, suggesting that there are many more along the shoreline of Great Slave Lake that have not yet been found. This isolated little grave is rapidly deteriorating and will be hard to find in a few more decades. Elder Philip Goulet later told us that his father, Johnny Goulet, had been buried at this cemetery and that there were at least 2-3 more graves.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. However, see general remarks about cemeteries above, in the discussion of YKD-17.

YKD-28, Map Sheet 85 I/3, KaPd-2

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 426 0386301E 6880532N. 147 m asl. Photo 1-126. Feature 2. Tent Ring. GPS 427 0386318E 6880535N. 144 m asl. Photo 1-127. Feature 3. Tent Ring. GPS 428 0386318E 6880623N. 157 m asl. Photo 1-128.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Site 28 is located 100 m east of the cemetery on a bedrock outcrop overlooking the reedy lake and the exit of the Beaulieu River into Hearne Channel. The site consists of three tent rings on a clearing on a bedrock outcrop. The first tent ring is circular, 4 m in diameter, with six boulders and a possible hearth on the south side; the second is also circular and 3 m in diameter with four boulders; and the third is oval, 2 x 3 m, with six boulders.

Discussion This site is located to take advantage of views over the shallow lake and breezes from the south and west, so is likely a summer site.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-29, Map Sheet 85 I/3, KaPd-3

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 429 0386405E 6880639N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-129 to 1-130. Feature 2. Tent Ring. GPS 430 0386391E 6880647N. 166 m asl (9.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-131. Feature 3. Quartz Quarry. GPS 431 0386434E 6880651N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-132 to 1-134. Feature 3. Hide-Drying Ring. GPS 432 0386462E 6880661N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photo 1-135. YKD-29 is the most substantial site found in this area, containing two tent rings and a hide-drying ring as well as a quartz quarry. The site is in a similar location to YKD-28, on a bedrock outcrop overlooking the reedy lake and about 250 m to the northwest. Tent Ring 1 measures 5 x 3 m with nine boulders in an inner ring and another six in an outer ring. Tent Ring 2 measures 2 x 3 m with five boulders and a small hearth adjacent to the east. Feature 3 is a small quartz quarry, with a 3 m long vein surrounded on all side within a 3 x 4 m area by cores, flakes and hammerstones, both uphill and downslope from the vein. There are additional veins between this feature and Feature 4, which is a triangular hide-drying ring of five boulders, measuring 1.5 x 3 m.

Discussion This bedrock outcrop around the northwest corner of the shallow lake is quite extensive and probably contains additional sites, taking advantage of the good view, the exposure to breezes and the flat generally unvegetated surface. There is also a lower outcrop between this one and the lake, which was not surveyed. These tent rings may represent places where people traveling on the Beaulieu River camped. The north end of the short stretch of river on which there are several sets of rapids should also be checked. North of Pauline Lake, the river opens out into a broad waterway with few rapids and many expansions into small and larger lakes. Surveys on the higher ground on the west side of the river between this shallow lake and Pauline Lake might also be rewarding, particularly in terms of precontact sites.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-30, KaPd-4

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/3, GPS 433 0387125E 6879474N. 145 m asl. Photo 1-136 YKD is possibly a site with two components, located on a bedrock outcrop on the east side of the exit from the reedy lake into Beaulieu Bay and Hearne Channel, overlooking a warden’s cabin on the west side. The circular tent ring measures 3.5 x 3 m with nine boulders in the inner ring and three more forming an outer semicircle. Some of the rocks are deeply buried in moss and others are perched on top of the bedrock, but the impression gained is one of some antiquity. A deep hole has been blasted in the bedrock about 40 m north of the tent ring, presumably by a prospector. Although some of the blasted rock is scattered around the tent ring, it seems unlikely that the two features are connected.

Discussion No surveys were conducted around the many peninsulas and bays and the few small islands between here and the west side of François Bay. The river channel and associated lakes are good spring habitat for geese and ducks, which may have provided some subsistence for people here in that season.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-31, KaPd-5

Description Feature 1. Log Cabin. Map Sheet 85 I/3, GPS 434 0387065E 6879261N. 149 m asl. Photos 1-137 to 1-138 This cabin is quite modern and was built for a game warden by Archie Laroque around 1960, but is now abandoned. The cabin is built of notched logs in two rooms, an insulated bedroom/living room measuring 4 x 4 m and a 4 x 3 m storage shed. Alders have grown up between the river and the cabin; with those cut out there would be a good view of the river and out across Hearne Channel, and a good breeze off the river and the bay to the south.

Discussion The low bedrock slope in front of the cabin makes a good place to beach or haul out a boat or drive a snowmobile ashore from the ice. The cabin seems to occupy an ideal location in all respects.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-32, KaPe-11

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/4, GPS 435 0362134E 6881292N. 153 m asl. Photo 1-139. From Beaulieu Bay we headed through Campbell Bay, Goulet Bay and Devils Channel then turned south and cut through a narrow channel between the large island south of Devils Channel and the smaller island on which Gros Cap is situated. Alfred was reluctant to take the shorter route around the south end of Gros Cap because of another area of water turbulence dangerous to small boats. Our objective was to search for an old Roman Catholic Mission site and associated cemetery that Phil Morck had visited a number of years ago. It was reported to be located at the east end of the channel between the two islands (P. Morck 2004, pers. comm.). We were unable to find the reported site or any other sites in several hours of searching the channel and the deep bay that extends north from the east end of the channel, so left here and headed back the way we came to a small island off the tip of Matonabbee Point, so that we would be in position to take the inside passages north to Dettah the next day if the wind rose.

I found one site on the northwest point of the camp island, 1.1 km northwest of Matonabbee Point. The site consists of a single round tent ring measuring 3 m in diameter with 12 boulders and a small hearth adjacent to the west.

Discussion The tent ring is 25 m from the tip of the island on a fairly low bedrock outcrop, but the boulders are covered with lichen and there is no lichen on the bedrock beneath the rocks. There is no historic period debris associated, so this site is probably quite old. Gros Cap is the current name for the point that marks the place where the North Arm branches from the East Arm of Great Slave Lake. It was previously called Mackenzie Point by John Franklin (PWNHC 2004).

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-33, KaPe-12

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 85 I/4, GPS 437 0363215E 6880598N. 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-142 to 1-144. Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/4, GPS 438 0363234E 6880592N. 164 m asl (7.6 m above lake level). Photos 1-146 to 1-146. After supper, I surveyed the headland above Matonabbee Point and the coastline 1 km north to the next prominent headland, at the mouth of Matonabbee Bay. Matonabbee Point was named after explorer Samuel Hearne’s Dene guide on his journey from Hudson

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Bay to the Coppermine River. On his return journey, Hearne reached Great Slave Lake near this locality in December 1771 (PWNHC 2004).

As we approached the headland by boat we could see large amounts of white stone on the cliff face. On inspection, this proved to be massive amounts of white quartz, which would be quite accessible on the cliff on a calm day or in boulders that have fallen from the cliff face.

Site YKD-33 is located on top of the headland on a bedrock outcrop that extends along the south side of the headland towards a shallow bay. The site consists of a 3 m diameter round tent ring with 10 lichen-covered boulders, and an additional two boulders outside the inner ring. One fragment of quartz was found inside the tent ring. Two more flakes of very fine-grained milky white quartz were found 30 m north of the tent ring, but no associated veins were found.

Discussion The quartz inclusions on the face of Matonabbee Point are quite visible and may have been exploited during the precontact period. A more intensive survey around Matonabbee Point might produce some evidence of quarrying and reduction. The next morning, July 25, we headed back to Dettah, stopping only briefly for breaks and finding no more sites at these locations.

Recommendation KaPe-12 is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

The second part of the survey began with a return to the East Arm area for additional investigations in François Bay, Goulet ay and Devils Channel, and then a survey of some of the islands and mainland shore northwest of Yellowknife Bay on the North Arm. The survey ended with a few days of investigations on the west side of the North Arm between Whitebeach Point and Armstrong Point. The site numbering system continues on from the first part, beginning with site YKD-34. One previously-recorded site was also revisited.

YKD-34 (Fish Plant, Map Sheet 85 I/3, Photos 2-3 to 2-9), KaPe-13

Description Feature 1. House. GPS 439 0369558E 6876747N. 158 m asl (1.6 m above lake level). Feature 2. Fishplant Building. GPS 440 0369590E 6876648N. 171 m asl (14.6 m above lake level). Feature 3. Ice Cellar. GPS 441 0369595E 6876686N. 182 m asl (23.6 m above lake level). Feature 4. Wharf. GPS 442 0369565E 6876783N. 148 m asl. After a slow start to the resumption of the Great Slave Lake survey, we got away at 8.30 p.m. in one boat (with the other group deciding at the last minute not to go) and headed

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 back south towards Gros Cap. Our boat was slow, so we got as far as Burnt Island at 10.30 p.m. and camped for the night. By the next morning, the wind has risen considerably so we waited for a while and got away in mid-morning. Our first stop was at the old fish plant site on the south side of Devils Channel, opposite a deep bay on the mainland side. The plant dates back to the 1940s-1950s.

The buildings are all in bad shape and certainly look as though they have been abandoned for decades. There are at least two large buildings, most likely the fish plant, a row of smaller ones between them and the channel, possibly bunkhouses, a probable ice cellar built into a sandy bank, a partially standing house near the wharf, most likely the manager’s house, and an extensive wharf.

Discussion Philip Goulet, who lived in Goulet Bay a few kilometres east of the plant, told us that the plant had begun operations in 1945 and closed in 1956. The fish was shipped south by barge to Hay River for final processing and shipment south by railway. The plant operated from spring breakup until freezeup in the fall, with fishermen on contract bringing in their catches. Elder Philip Goulet told us that some of the houses that had been standing on the islands in Goulet Bay were dismantled or moved as is to the plant site to accommodate plant workers. During the first year of operation, no local people were hired to work at the plant, but this policy changed in 1946 and many local people found work at the plant or supplying fish (P. Goulet 2004, pers. comm.). During our surveys around this part of Great Slave Lake we have found two other fish plants: one in Drybones Bay and one in the cluster of islands northwest of Yellowknife, both of which were probably also serviced from Hay River.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. It would be interesting to gather more information on the time period during which this and other plants around the lake functioned.

KaPe1, Devils Channel Cemetery, Map Sheet 85 I/3

Description Feature 1. Grave at West End of Terrace. GPS 443 0372038E 6877941N. 153 m asl. Feature 2. Grave at Centre of Terrace. GPS 444 0372056E 6877948N. 150 m asl. Feature 3. Grave at East End of Terrace. GPS 445 0372084E 6877968N. 150 m asl. This cemetery is located near the east end of the large island south of Devils Channel, facing north over Goulet Bay. The site was originally recorded in 1992 by Tom Andrews, but the coordinates provided on the site form are not quite correct. The cemetery is in fact located 1.2 km northeast of Andrews’ recorded location. The cemetery is located on a narrow gravel and sand terrace sloping gently towards the gravel beach below. There are several large tree stumps on the terrace, presumably cut to make an unobstructed clearing for the cemetery. There are fifteen individual graves marked by

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 fences extending over about 60 m. In 1992, Andrews recorded at least 20 graves, most with picket fences. He also noted several depressions that may be graves with no markers. Information gathered from local elders suggested that the cemetery had been in use through the late 19th and early 20th centuries and that individuals from local Dogrib, Chipewyan and Slavey groups were buried there (Andrews 1992). Philip Goulet added that there were 24-25 people buried at the cemetery, including his wife Madeleine’s father William Betsina. Many people in the Goulet Bay area died during flu epidemics in the early 1920s, and are likely buried here (P. Goulet 2004, pers. comm.).

Discussion While many of the picket fences are in good shape, others are deteriorating. Today there are no people living in Goulet Bay to tend to the graves. However, the cemetery is on a well travelled route between the North Arm and East Arm, which suggests that the occupants receive many visitors, or at least the thoughts of those passing by.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-35, KaPe-14

Description Feature 1. House Remains. Map Sheet 85 I/3. GPS 446 0373572E 6878897N. Photo 2-14. Another cemetery was reported to be present on the long island on the border between Goulet Bay and Campbell Bay (M. Martin 2004, pers. comm.); however, Philip Goulet, who lived for many years on that island, was not aware of any other cemeteries or individual grave sites in the area. YKD-35 is a house site on the southeast corner of the largest island on the north half of Goulet/Campbell Bay, occupied during the early part of the 20th century by Philip Goulet and Jimmy Betsina (M. Sangris 2004, pers. comm.). The foundation remains found at the site suggest that the house was about 4.5 m wide and 6 m long, with a 1 x 3 m addition (porch?) at one end. A second possible foundation is located between the first house and the shore of the island. Other remains noted include a tin stove. Another house attributed to Philip Goulet is located on the north side of the same island but was not visited.

Discussion We spent quite a few hours in Goulet Bay trying to find houses and cemeteries reported to be present. There are probably additional sites, but they might be more easily found by study of a map with elders like Madeleine and Philip Goulet and a more structured survey method involving surveys of entire islands and mainland peninsulas and bays instead of the hopscotch method used in this survey.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/3. GPS 447 0373541E 6879070N. 168 m asl (11.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-15. A second site was recorded on the same island as KaPe-14, a single tent ring located at the northeast corner of the island on a moss- and lichen-covered bedrock outcrop 20 m from the lake. The oval tent ring measures 3 x 4 m and consists of seven boulders in an inner ring and two more outside. A stove part was found adjacent to the tent ring.

Discussion The presence of a stove part in the same location as a tent ring suggests that there may have been a more substantial dwelling situated there at one time, although no trace was found. This could be one of the structures that Elder Philip Goulet said were dismantled or moved whole to the Devils Channel fish plant.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-37, KaPe-16

Description Feature 1. House Remains. Map Sheet 85 I/3. GPS 448 0373302E 6878241N. 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-16 to 2-18. We had been informed of another cemetery on the west side of the westernmost of two larger islands in the south part of Goulet/Campbell Bay, but were unable to find it. However, at the same site shown on the map as the cemetery we did find an old house site. This house occupied by a Chipewyan family from Fort Smith until the 1940s, had apparently been burned down during an accident with a Tilley lamp (M. Martin, 2004 pers. comm.). The house foundation measured 3.5 x 5 m. Another house was possibly located further up the hill, where we found stove parts and lupins, often associated with house remains.

Discussion After recording this house we returned eastward to François Bay to resume the survey of the west and north side of the bay. It rained heavily through much of the day, obscuring visibility.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-38, PaPc-10

Description Features 1 and 2. Birchbark Presses. Map Sheet 85 I/2. GPS 450 0397138E 6881320N. 172 m asl (15.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-19 to 2-20.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 We set up camp again at the same northeast corner of the big island in François Bay, near the outlet of the François River. I was then dropped on the west side of the smaller island, where two long boulder structures interpreted as birchbark presses were found. One measures approximately 5 m long and consists of an alignment of four boulders, and the other is longer at 7 m and contains 7 boulders. The site is located relatively high, at more than 15 m above lake level, on a bedrock outcrop.

Discussion The height above lake level of these structures suggests that they may be older than other similar features at a lower elevation. However, they may just have been situated here because there was an abundance of birch trees in the vicinity, which there is today.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-39, KaPc-11

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2. GPS 451 0396377E 6881435N. 179 m asl (22.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-21 to 2-22. This 2 x 3 m rectangular tent ring containing 10 boulders is located on a high bedrock terrace on the southwest side of the François Bay mainland, overlooking the channel between the site and the islands and south towards the Hearne Channel.

Discussion Once again, this site is at a relatively high elevation, over 20 m above the lake level, but this may be because this was the only suitable place to camp on the precipitous southwest side of the bay.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-40, KaPc-12

Description Feature 1. Birchbark Press. Map Sheet 85 I/2. GPS 452 0396489E 6881576N. 180 m asl (23.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-24 to 2-25. This site is 250 m northeast of YKD-39 at a similar elevation and with a similar view over the bay. The site consists of a substantial birchbark press on a bedrock outcrop. The structure measures 6 m in length and consists of 11 boulders which, in some cases, form two parallel alignments.

Discussion Once again, birch trees were quite abundant in the area.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-41, KaPc-13

Description Feature 1. Trapping Site. Map Sheet 85 I/2. GPS 453 0396702E 6882181N. 163 m asl (6.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-26 to 2-27. Between YKD-41 and this site, a huge otter that may have been over 1.5 m in length was encountered. The river otter is getting towards the northeastern limit of its distribution in the East Arm (Banfield 1974), but judging by the size and condition of this one, it is quite happy in its environment.

The trapping site was encountered on a trail running up a narrow gully from the shore of the lake, and consists of a deadfall lynx trap and some cached snare wire (P. MacKenzie 2004, pers. comm.).

Discussion Trapping is usually thought of as primarily a historic period occupation, but the presence of many fur-bearing mammals on the north side of Great Slave Lake including snowshoe hare, arctic hare, red squirrel, beaver, muskrat, porcupine, wolf, arctic fox, red fox, marten, ermine, weasel, mink, wolverine, river otter, and lynx as well as the larger black bear and grizzly bear (Banfield 1974) would not have gone unnoticed by precontact peoples and snares, deadfalls and other traps and means would have been devised to catch them for food and for the skins so valued in clothing, mittens, headwear and footwear. The other species more urgently sought during the precontact period, for the large amount of meat and skins they provided, would have included the caribou and moose.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-42, KaPc-14

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2. GPS 454 0398440E 6882840N. 164 m asl (7.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-28 to 2-29. This site is one of six found on the north side of François Bay, west of the François River. The site is located on the southwest tip of a peninsula on a bedrock outcrop. The feature is roughly rectangular and measures 4 x 2 m, with 14 boulders. Other boulder features and quartz veins are present on the same outcrop, but were not recorded.

Discussion The north side of François Bay was expected to be quite rich in sites associated with travel into and out of the interior via the François River, which has its headwaters in François Lake, more than 50 km to the northeast.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. Additional surveys should be conducted around the north end of the bay, especially further northeast along a visible series of high bedrock ridges, and on the east side of the river, which was not surveyed.

YKD-43, KaPc-15 Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2. GPS 455 0398749E 6883020N. 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-30 to 2-31. This site is a single hide-drying ring 500 m northeast of YKD-42, at the northeast end of the same peninsula. The feature is triangular, with six boulders.

Discussion The prevalence of features interpreted as hide-drying rings on the north side of François Bay suggests that moose favoured this location and were actively hunted or trapped.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-44, KaPc-16

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring and Birchbark Press. Map Sheet 85 I/2. GPS 456 0398845E 6883032N. 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-32. This site is located 100 m east of YKD-43 on a lower elevation bedrock outcrop at the northeast corner of the peninsula. The site consists of two adjacent features, a triangular hide-drying ring 2.5 m long, consisting of six boulders and a birchbark press 4 m long, with four boulders.

Discussion The prevalence of features interpreted as hide-drying rings on the north side of François Bay suggests that moose favoured this location and were actively hunted or trapped.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-45, KaPc-17

Description Feature 1. Hide-Drying Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/2. GPS 457 0399315E 6883535N. 171 m asl (14.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-33 to 2-34. This site is located 400 m west of the mouth of the François River, which is a slow moving, grass-filled creek unnavigable, at least at this time of year. The site consists of a

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 collapsed boulder cairn and/or a hide-drying ring measuring 3 x 3 m with 13 boulders. It is located on a high bedrock outcrop with a view south over François Bay.

Discussion The prevalence of features interpreted as hide-drying rings on the north side of François Bay suggests that moose favoured this location and were actively hunted or trapped.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-46, KaPc-18

Description Feature 1. Birchbark Press. Map Sheet 85 I/2. GPS 458 0399452E 6883668N. 164 m asl (7.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-35 to 2-36. This site is 250 m northeast of YKD-45 on a narrow bedrock ridge surrounded by birch trees. The feature is a birchbark press measuring 5 m long with a single alignment of five boulders and a cluster of three offset by less than 1 m at the north end.

Discussion The association of birch trees and the features we have interpreted as birchbark presses tends to support this interpretation, and has been found at several sites around François Bay.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-47 (Map Sheet 85 I/2), KaPc-19

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 459 0399491E 6883744N. 170 m asl (13.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-37 to 2-38. Feature 2. Birchbark Press. GPS 460 0399502E 6883760N. 168 m asl (11.6 m above lake level). Feature 3. Birchbark Press. GPS 461 0399507E 6883768N. 168 m asl (11.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-39. Feature 4. Tent Ring. GPS 462 0399510E 6883775N. 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-40. Feature 5. Birchbark Press. GPS 464 0399515E 6883780N. 165 m asl (8.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-41. The last site found in François Bay was the most substantial, consisting of five separate boulder features on a high bedrock outcrop 300 m west of the river. Feature 1 is a 4 x 3 m rectangular tent ring consisting of 20 boulders. Feature 2 is 10 m north and consists of a probable birchbark press 4 m long, with three boulders at one end, one in the middle and two at the other end. Feature 3 is another birchbark press 4.5 m long, consisting of three clusters of boulders totalling 12. Feature 4 is an oval tent ring 4 x 2.5 m with 11

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 boulders. Feature 5 is another birchbark press with a straight 4 m alignment of eight boulders, with two other boulders offset.

Discussion This bedrock ridge continues to the northeast at a higher elevation, but was not surveyed.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-48, KaPd-6

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 I/3. GPS 465 0394227E 6876971N. 164 m asl (7.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-42. We left François Bay in late morning on August 5, stopping just west of the mouth of the bay to let me survey some promising looking areas over a 2 km stretch of shoreline. The first site produced a small tent ring built above an abrupt drop to a rocky beach on the tip of a small peninsula 500 m west of the mouth of François Bay. The feature is round and measures 2.5 m in diameter and has about 30 boulders around the perimeter, suggesting that it may have functioned as a cache at one time. An old tin can, possibly a tobacco tin, was found a few metres north of the structure but may not have been associated.

Discussion We had not found the reported village site in François Bay, unless it was Site YKD-24, or the expected cemetery. Elder Philip Goulet also thought that there should be a cemetery somewhere in François Bay but he could not remember having heard of one (P. Goulet 2004, pers. comm.). We did find 19 sites plus two additional sites just west of the bay, which is quite a high density.

Recommendation KaPd-6 is site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-49, KaPd-7

Description Feature 1. Birchbark Press. Map Sheet 85 I/3. GPS 466 0393537E 6877070N. 164 m asl (7.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-43 to 2-44. This feature may be a short wide birchbark press or a small rectangular tent ring. It is situated on a bedrock terrace 20 m from the lake and measures 3.5 x 1.5 m, with five boulders in a straight alignment on the west side and two on the east.

Discussion This stretch of coastline is very barren, with broken bedrock outcrops, small plateaus, lots of undulation, a steep drop to the shore, and no shelter from the south or southwest winds off the lake. It did not seem very appealing either for habitation or for resource exploitation.

Recommendation The survey finished at the southern tip of the long peninsula 2.3 km west of François Bay, with no additional sites found on the peninsula. By now, the rain had set in again, reducing visibility and making walking on bedrock and vegetation hazardous, so we set off west again, stopping briefly in Goulet Bay.

YKD-50 Map Sheet 85 I/3, KaPe-17

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 467 0372995E 6878673N. 168 m asl (11.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-45 to 2-46. Feature 2. Exploited Quartz Vein. GPS 468 03730913E 6878672N. 163 m asl (6.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-47 to 2-49. Feature 3. House Remains. GPS 469 0373098E 6878628N. 163 m asl (6.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-50 to 2-51. Feature 4. Cache. GPS 470 0372979E 6878613N. 160 m asl (3.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-52 to 2-53. This site was shown on the YKDFN research map, based on information collected several years previously, as another cemetery. We revisited this island, where sites YKD-35 and –36 had been found a few days ago, and found not a cemetery but instead an interesting mixture of different types of sites. Feature 1 is a 3 x 3 m rectangular tent ring on a bedrock outcrop, with 11 boulders in the ring. Feature 2 is an exploited quartz vein 20 m from the tent ring, with several associated artifacts including a square-based white quartz biface, which was collected, and at least 50 flakes. Feature 3 is a possible house site, with stove parts and lupins but no structural elements visible – possibly another of the houses moved to the Devils Channel fish plant (P. Goulet 204, pers. comm.). Feature 4, found near the shore, is a cache of leghold traps, two lynx hide-stretching boards, an anchor and a pot.

Discussion If the GPS elevation is accurate, the exploitation of the quartz vein may have taken place around A.D. 1300-1500, during the period of the Frank Channel complex (Noble 1981).

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

As the weather remained poor, we decided to head back to Dettah that evening (August 5) to re-supply before heading westward from Dettah to survey parts of the North Arm. After some delays, we set off again on the evening of August 6 and threaded our way through the myriad islands west and northwest of Yellowknife Bay.

YKD-51 Fish Plant, Map Sheet 85 J/7 (NAD 83), KcPi-1

Description Feature 1. Ice House. GPS 472 0618365E 6914385N. 156 m asl. Photo 2-54.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Feature 2. Bunkhouse. GPS 473 0618313E 6914377N. 151 m asl. Photos 2- 55 to 2- 58. Our first stop was at an old fish plant site near the outer edge of the island archipelago, southwest of Baker Island. The plant probably dates back to the 1950s and, like the plant on Devils Channel, sent processed fish to Hay River for transport by train south. Several building remains are present on the island, including an ice house and a bunkhouse for the barge workers. Both buildings were apparently burned down. Other workers brought tents and set up their own camps on surrounding islands (M. Martin 2004, pers. comm.).

Discussion The islands on the outer edges of the archipelago are uniformly low, rocky and covered with trees and brush. During the precontact period, many of them were probably underwater, so evidence of precontact occupation may be absent. Elevation rises slightly towards the mainland and earlier sites may be present there, where moose, fish, waterfowl and muskrat would be among the principal resources sought. Three reported cemetery sites on the mainland shore were not visited due to the shallow water levels which prevented us from gaining access.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. Another attempt should be made to locate and document three cemetery sites known to the YKDFN along the mainland shore between Yellowknife Bay and Enodah (Trout Rock Bay). Surveys should also seek out any contemporaneous habitation sites in the vicinity, and assess the potential for the presence of earlier precontact period sites. This should be done when water levels in the lake are at their highest, and with a shallow draft boat.

YKD-52 Map Sheet 85 J/7 (NAD 83), KcPi-2

Description Feature 1. House Remains. GPS 476 0610069E 6923844N. 155 m asl. Photo 2-59. Feature 2. Tent Rings and Hearth. GPS 477 0610057E 6923812N. 156 m asl. Photo 2-60. Feature 3. House Remains. GPS 478 0610121E 6923787N. 153 m asl. Photo 2-61. Feature 4. House Remains. GPS 479 0610150E 6923764N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-62 to 2-63. Feature 5. House Remains and Hearth. GPS 480 0610160E 69238782N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-64. Feature 6. House Remains. GPS 481 0610070E 6923776N. 154 m asl. Photos 2-65 to 2-67. This site was a community of a half a dozen or more houses, some of which were occupied permanently and others during the spring trapping season. The village is located on a bedrock promontory on the west side of a peninsula connected to the mainland by a narrow isthmus. Trout Rock Bay is 2 km to the northwest and the community of Enodah 12 km to the northwest. A winter trail runs eastward via a string of long lakes and ponds to Yellowknife, Ndilo and Dettah. Several more habitation and

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 cemetery sites were recorded around Trout Rock Bay (Note: the topographic map places Trout Rock 17 km further to the northwest).

The remains found at this site include five house foundations and one large tent ring. Feature 1 is an outline of a house foundation marked by grass lines on the bedrock and some barely discernible wooden beams. The structure measures 6 x 5 m with a 3 x 4 m extension (porch?). Two adjoining circular tent rings, Feature 2, one with a diameter of 3 m and the other 4 m, are located a few metres from Feature 1. Feature 3 is another house outline with the remains of wooden beams on top of raised rubble foundation walls. The main part of the house measures 4.5 x 4 m; an adjoining extension is 3 x 4.5 m. Feature 4 is the remains of a small house foundation 4 x 3 m with decomposing notched wooden beams still in place. Some stove pipe and a stove are located adjacent to the foundation. Feature 5 is a 4 x 5 m outline of another house with the foundation marked by boulders and vegetation. Large boulders on both sides of the house may be former anchors for guy topes over the roof. One set appears to have been re-used as a hearth. Feature 6 is another 4 x 5 m house outline near the shore, covered with wild roses and surrounded by lupins. An old steamer trunk is adjacent to the house remains.

Discussion This village site is located on bedrock with a good view southwest out towards Great Slave Lake. Trees which seem to be about 50 years old are now growing back over the once-cleared site, suggesting that it has been abandoned for at least that length of time. People moved from here to the larger community of Enodah.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-53, KcPi-3

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 J/7 (NAD 83). GPS 482 0610029E 6974433N. 156 m asl. Photo 2-68. This site is almost 1 km north of the YKD-52 village site on the south end of a mainland peninsula. A cemetery containing 8-10 graves had previously been recorded in this location (R. Crapeau 2004, P. MacKenzie pers. comms.), but we were unable to find it. We did find and record a large rectangular tent ring measuring 4 x 5 m, with 29 boulders around the perimeter and a two-boulder hearth at the centre. Several other tent rings and other boulder features are located along a 100 m stretch of this same bedrock ridge, but were not recorded.

Discussion More time needs to be spent verifying the cemetery location with elders and re-visiting the area to find and record the cemetery.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Recommendation The boulder feature site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-54, KcPi-4

Description Feature 1. House Remains. Map Sheet 85 J/7 (NAD 83). GPS 484 0608995E 6923955N. 162 m asl (5.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-69 to 2-70. This site is located 1 km west northwest of the YKD-52 village site on a bedrock outcrop overgrown with caribou lichen on a small island at the eastern edge of the scatter of islands in the mouth of Trout Rock Bay. The site consists of a 4 x 4 m cabin foundation, with traces of a wooden beam and a few rusted tin cans, and a flat stone slab at the centre on which the stove would have stood.

Discussion While there are at least two larger cabin communities around Trout Rock Bay, not all families or individuals may have wished to live in close proximity to others, preferring to situate their houses at some distance from the larger aggregates of people. It is likely that there are many other similar sites scattered around Trout Rock Bay and elsewhere among the islands on this northeast side of the North Arm.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-55, KcPi-5

Description Feature 1. Cemetery. Map Sheet 85 J/7 (NAD 83). GPS 485 0609200E 6925189N. 170 m asl (13.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-71 to 2-72. Rachel Crapeau (2004, pers. comm.) had provided information on the location of a cemetery on a peninsula on the east side of Trout Rock Bay, 1.5 km north northwest of the YKD-52 village site. One grave has a new picket fence built around it.

Discussion Many of the cemeteries that have been recorded by the YKDFN Land and Environment Committee have been furnished with new white-painted picket fences and crosses. The original burials would have been with coffins, resulting in a low mound on the surface, and sometimes the placement of cut sticks to form a cross. Without any tending, these small cemeteries quickly blend into the surrounding environment: the mounds sink as the coffins collapse, the crosses fall and disintegrate, and the clearings become overgrown. The work by the Land and Environment Committee to record these locations while they still exist in the collective memory of the elders is important and the best tool for identifying the cemeteries and providing subsequent protection as heritage sites.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Recommendation Renewed effort should be made to locate remote cemeteries and plot the locations on archaeological site maps. This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-56, KcPi-6

Description Features 1 and 2. House Remains and Sled. Map Sheet 85 J/7 (NAD 83). GPS 486 0606687E 6926048N. 170 m asl (13.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-73 to 2-75. This site was also indicated on the YKDFN map as the location of a cemetery. The site is located on a small island on the west side of Trout Rock Bay, 2.5 km southeast of Enodah. The only cultural material found was a rectangular clearing containing a wooden pole or beam on the west side, two boulders on the south side and one at the northeast corner, a four-boulder hearth at the centre, and some cut wood near the hearth. This is possibly the remains of a small temporary structure. About 70 m northeast of the dwelling site a sled designed for pulling behind a snowmobile was found, consisting of wooden runners with metal strapping for the sled shoes and a plywood box on top.

Discussion This find of the abandoned sled is perhaps analogous to the features interpreted as locations where toboggans were left through the summer months, weighted down with boulders, to be collected the next winter. As the seasons change, the mode of transportation changes and means of travel such as toboggans may be exchanged for canoes, with the former being left at the place where the canoe is made.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-57, KcPi-7

Description Feature 1. Cemetery. Map Sheet 85 J/7 (NAD 83). GPS 491 0606791E 6926772N. 153 m asl. Photos 2-76 to 2-78. Rachel Crapeau (2004, pers. comm.) had provided information on the location of a cemetery on a peninsula on the east side of Trout Rock Bay, 1.5 km north northwest of the YKD-52 village site. I walked several hundred metres into the site from the west, finding no additional sites along the way. The cemetery has recently had a new picket fence built around it.

Discussion The larger enclosure is reported to contain the remains of two elders, while a smaller fenced plot to the east contains the remains of seven children. The presence of so many children suggests that they may have been victims of one of the epidemics of influenza or some other disease in the early 20th century. The cemetery occupies a high sandy terrace which is also home to a family of foxes, who have tunnelled a den below the fence.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities other than the continued use of the fox den and requires no mitigation.

YKD-58 Enodah, Map Sheet 85 J/7 (NAD 83), KcPi-8

Description Feature 1. House Remains. GPS 492 0604295E 6927392N. 162 m asl (5.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-81 to 2-82. Feature 2. House Remains. GPS 493 0604284E 6927404N. 163 m asl (6.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-83. Feature 3. House Remains. GPS 494 0604323E 6927401N. 160 m asl (3.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-84. Feature 4. House Remains. Photos 2-85 to 2-86. Feature 5. House Remains. GPS 495 0604361E 6927487N. 166 m asl (9.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-87 to 2-89. Feature 6. Former Church Location. GPS 496 0604333E 6927500N. 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Feature 7. House Remains. GPS 497 0604244E 6927395N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-90. KcPi-8 is the site of Enodah, where a fishing lodge operates today and at least one new cabin has recently been constructed amidst the ruins of a large 19th century village. The community was quite widespread, extending over several hundred metres of bedrock on the northwest corner of a large island west of the main Trout Rock Bay inlet. A narrow channel separates the island and the mainland, where a winter trail connects with the Yellowknife-Rae highway. Another branch heads southeast to follow a chain of lakes to Yellowknife, closer to the shore of Great Slave Lake.

The remains of six houses and the location of the community church were recorded at the place where we landed. Other parts of the community are located further north, but were not recorded. Feature 1 is the remains of a 4 x 8 m house with traces of wooden beams on a rubble and boulder foundation. The occupant is reported to have been Johnny Crapeau (M. Sangris and P. MacKenzie 2004, pers. comm.). Feature 2 is the remains of a 3.5 x 5 m house foundation. Feature 3 is the remains of a 5 x 5 house with a 3 x 3 m extension. Clusters of boulders at the corners helped to support the floor beams on the rubble foundation walls. Feature 4 is a 5 x 6 m house foundation. Feature 5 is a 5 x 7 m house foundation attributed to the parents of Ben Noel (M. Sangris and P. MacKenzie 2004, pers. comm.), and has traces of wooden beams, a stove inside the house, and a trunk outside. Feature 6 is the reported location of the community church (M. Sangris and P. MacKenzie 2004, pers. comm.), which was moved to Yellowknife. No traces were found of its former presence. Feature 7 is the last house foundation recorded, measuring 8 x 4 m with a 3 x 2 m extension.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Discussion According to Modeste Sangris and Paul MacKenzie (2004, pers. comm.), the village was established in the 19th century and finally abandoned in the 1960s or 1970s.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. The remaining house foundations north of the area visited and any other associated features should be mapped.

We left Enodah at 4 p.m. on August 7 and set off due west across the 15 km wide North Arm towards Whitebeach Point to begin a survey south down the west coast of the North Arm. As we approached the west side of the arm we could see extensive sand deposits along the shore and back from the shore, which promised to have good archaeological potential. No precontact or historic period sites had previously been recorded along this shore. We arrived at about 5 p.m. and decided to camp above a north-facing sandy beach on a prominent peninsula 2 km northwest of Whitebeach Point below a high terrace on which two cabins are located. After setting up camp, I began a survey between this peninsula and Whitebeach Point, finishing it the next morning and finding a total of nine sites within 2 km.

YKD-59, KcPj-1

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter (and 2 recent cabins and a wrecked barge). Map Sheet 85 J/6 (NAD 27). GPS 499 0588652E 6928881N. 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-91 to 2-96. The lithic scatter is located around the east side of the easternmost cabin on the high sandy terrace above the beach. Below the cabins, about 20 m to the northeast, is a large wooden barge on a narrow bench below the terrace. It is not clear whether it was hauled up from the beach or washed up during what would have been a tremendous storm as it is several metres above the lake level.

Discussion Three artifacts were collected from the disturbed area around the cabin: a quartzite biface tip, a quartzite biface base and a chert endscraper. The scatter extends over at least 3.5 x 5 m and has been disturbed by construction and use of the cabin.

Recommendation This site is at risk of further disturbance from occupation and use of the cabin. Ideally, an excavation should be undertaken to collect additional information about this site but this runs the risk of alerting people who may be unaware of the presence of this and other sites in the vicinity that artifacts are present and could be collected, thus damaging even more of this and other sites. It is recommended, therefore, that until a more intensive survey is conducted along this shore, the site be left as is.

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 500 0588682E 6928679N. 156 m asl. Photo 2-97. This site is located in a deflated sand blowout in an open sandy spruce/birch parkland about 60 m from the lake, south of the tip of the peninsula. The tent ring consists of a 2 m diameter circular alignment of 11 small boulders. No artifacts were present on the surface.

Discussion The lack of lithic material and relatively low elevation suggests that this is a historic period site. Few other tent rings were found along this stretch of coastline, suggesting that resources present were not as highly favoured or abundant as elsewhere during the historic period.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. However, if consideration should ever be given to development along this coast, such as aggregate extraction or recreational cabin construction, a full archaeological assessment should be undertaken.

YKD-61 Map Sheet 85 J/6, KcPj-3

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. GPS 501 0588617E 6928581N. 162 m asl (5.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-98 to 2-99. Feature 2. Lithic Scatter. GPS 502 0588547E 6928595N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-100. YKD-61 is located 500 m south of the tip of the northern peninsula, 100 m inland from the shore and immediately north of a dry creek bed. The site consists of a small scatter of lithic flakes and tools in a large depressed sand blowout. A quartz flake knife was found on the eastern edge of the blowout and a pink chert biface preform 2 m south of the flake knife, on the inside slope of the blowout. Five quartz flakes were found a few metres west of the preform.

Discussion The height above lake level places this site in the late precontact period, perhaps within the Frank Channel complex (A.D. 1300-1500), the type site for which in northwestern Great Slave Lake is found at less than 4 m elevation. A second scatter of quartz was found in a larger blowout about 100 m northwest of this location.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. More intensive testing around this site and elsewhere on this extensive system of sand terraces would help define the duration of the precontact occupation of this area.

YKD-62, KcPj-4

Description Features 1 and 2. Hearth and Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 503 0588644E 6928484N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-101 to 2-102. YKD-62 is located 50 m south of the dry creek bed, 150 m from the shore of the lake and 600 m south of the tip of the northern peninsula. The site consists of a 1 x 1 m hearth comprising more than 30 cobbles, and a scatter of more than 30 white quartz flakes in and around the hearth.

Discussion Other similar, small sites are most likely concealed beneath the thin layer of vegetation and blown sand and could be found by a more structured programme of survey transects and test-pitting. The presence of these two sites (including YKD-61) adjacent to the creek bed, and another on the far side of another creek further south, suggests that these may have been at least intermittently flowing at the time of occupation. In an onshore wind, the water on this side of the North Arm is very silty and murky, and water flowing from a small stream may have been more potable .

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-63, KcPj-5

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 504 0588557E 6928813N. 163 m asl (6.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-103 to 2-105. YKD-63 is located 200 m southwest of the two cabins on the westward trending coast, at an elevation of about 7 m above lake level. The site is situated in a small blowout 40 m from the shore of the lake and contains about 50 minute flakes of quartz, white chert, pink quartzite and shale.

Discussion This small site is possibly where a hunter sharpened a set of various tools, or may be where flaking material dropped on a skin inside a nearby tent was taken outside the tent and dumped. No tool fragments were noted in or around this scatter. This site is the furthest west of all the sites found around the northern peninsula. The survey should be extended westward to the limit of this elevated sandy terrace system, and inland to find any higher terraces that may have been occupied earlier.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-64, KcPj-6

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 505 0588699E 6928322N. 164 m asl (7.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-106 to 2-107. This site is located midway between the two creek beds 1.5 km northwest of Whitebeach Point, 80 m from the shore of the lake. The site consists of a scatter of five quartz flakes and a flake scraper near the south end of a deep 40 m long blowout.

Discussion The range in elevation among the sites along this coast (ca. 160-170 m above sea level, i.e., 3-13 m above lake level) suggests that they span much of the period of the Taltheilei tradition, which lasted from 2500 years ago until historic contact. If sites when occupied were situated close to shore, just above the active beach, one would expect that uplift would have resulted in older sites being located further from the present shore. Most of the sites found are within about 100 m of the lake. This may indicate that there was a major problem with the accuracy of the GPS (which seems likely, as the 170 m contour on the topographic map is shown several hundred metres west of the sites). Assuming that resources or habitation preferences that operated when these sites were occupied were also present further back in time, it might be appropriate to search for sandy terraces further back from the coast, at higher elevations.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-65, KcPj-7

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 506 0588638E 6928334N. 164 m asl (7.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-108 to 2-111. This site is located less than 100 m west of YKD-65 in another long, deep blowout. The site consists of a scatter of 50 or so shale flakes and some fire-broken rock, indicating the presence of a hearth. A small stemmed biface made of purple quartzite was also found in the scatter, which seemed to be eroding down the side of the blowout.

Discussion The biface is missing the base, but seems likely to have had a straight stem, in which case it might fit best within the early stages of the Taltheilei tradition. About 50 m south of this site, the “blowout” ended abruptly at what appeared to be a bulldozed road. Inspection of the road and vicinity revealed some large areas where the sand and gravel had been excavated, placing the nature of the 100 m long YKD-65 “blowout” in doubt. It is more likely that this depression had been excavated. Apart from the disturbance caused by road construction and excavation, there is a large area closer to the shore where the surface has been disturbed, perhaps for use as a quarrying camp. Later inquiries indicated that many of the sand and gravel deposits along this shore, north and south of Whitebeach Point, were exploited during the 1970s when the highway between Yellowknife and Rae was built. Trucks would cross the ice from Yellowknife and haul

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 excavated sand and gravel across the north Arm for use on the road. It is unlikely that any archaeological assessment preceded this activity.

Recommendation This site appears to have been disturbed by previous development. Clearly, a bulldozer and a few backhoes can have a major effect on archaeological sites. This type of activity should be preceded by an archaeological assessment and, if necessary, mitigation such as controlled excavation and recording of any sites present; under the present regulatory regime, this would undoubtedly occur. More widespread surveys of areas under consideration for aggregate extraction and consultation with people who may have information on previous land use in the area should be a part of the early planning process before decisions are made on where aggregate should be extracted.

YKD-66 Map Sheet 85 J/6, KcPj-8

Description Feature 1. Tent Ring. GPS 507 0589118E 6927980N. 160 m asl (3.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-117. Feature 2. Lithic Scatter. GPS 508 0589135E 6927966N. 170 m asl (13.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-118 to 2-120. YKD-66 is situated immediately south of the larger, deeper creek bed 1 km northwest of Whitebeach Point. The site consists of a 2.5 x 2.5 m rectangular tent ring with about 25 cobbles located in a small blowout. No lithic or historic materials were found in association, but a small scatter of quartz and grey chert flakes was found about 20 m south of the tent ring in the same 60 m long blowout.

Discussion This is far south as the survey extended from our camp on the northern peninsula towards Whitebeach Point. Other sites are probably located between the creek and Whitebeach Point as well as further inland. This area has many deep caribou trails running parallel to the lake, as well as larger bison hoof prints and bison droppings. The caribou would have been here during the precontact period, but the bison may be relative newcomers (Banfield 1974), moving north from introduced populations at Fort Providence (P. MacKenzie 2004, pers. comm.).

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-67, KcPj-9

Description Features 1 and 2. Lithic Scatter and Hearth. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 509 0589856E 6927244N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-121 to 2-123. Later on the morning of August 8 we packed up the camp and moved the boat south to Whitebeach Point, where I surveyed some of the sand terraces west of the point. Two sites were found, but others undoubtedly exist. YKD-67 is a lithic scatter of more than

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 100 quartz, quartz crystal, orange quartzite, white chert, and shale scattered about a central hearth in a 20 x 10 m blowout. Three other lithic scatters were found in a quick search of other blowouts, but the strong onshore wind was creating problems for the boat so the survey was cut short.

Discussion This prominent landmark must have been well known to many generations of hunters and people travelling along this coast on land or water, and may have been a meeting place. Additional surveys should be conducted at the Point, westward to the system of ponds, and back to the 180-200+ m contours. Sand terraces occur all down this coast for at least another 4 km and should all be surveyed.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-68, KcPj-10

Description Features 1 and 2. Lithic Scatter and Hearth. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 510 0588832E 6924584N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-125 to 2-127. Heading south from Whitebeach Point, we next went ashore at the next two small peninsulas, 3-3.5 km southwest of the Point. Once again, onshore wind created problems for the boat, so the surveys were brief. YKD-68 consists of a cobble hearth 50 m west of the shore in a sand blowout. The hearth area includes some fragments of fire-broken rock and several flakes of quartz.

Discussion This site is at the northern limit of a large expanse of sand stretching 1.5 km southward, much of which has been quarried. It is likely that some archaeological sites were destroyed during this process, which probably took place during the 1970s when the Yellowknife-Rae highway being built.

YKD-69, KcPj-11

Description Feature 1. Lithic Scatter. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 511 0588591E 6924132N. 167 m asl (10.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-128 to 2-130. This site is located between the shore of the lake and the large sand quarry to the west. The site consists of a single quartz flake found on a caribou trail on a vegetated knoll in a forested area.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Discussion During a quick survey of parts of the perimeter of the quarry, no archaeological materials were found. Most of the quarry area was not surveyed. An access road from the shore into the quarry was noted from the boat as we passed the south end of the sand deposit.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. Surveys in this area should be conducted from land-based camps to avoid problems with finding suitable landing places for boats. A prominent plateau runs parallel to the shore from west of Whitebeach Point to the vicinity of Old Fort Island, between 1-4 km from the present shore and at an elevation of 200-230 m asl, or 40-70 m above present lake level. This plateau should also be checked for evidence of older occupations dating back to the Plano period of 7000 years ago.

YKD-70

Description Feature 1. Tent Frame. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 512 0589906E 6920222N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-131. From the Whitebeach Point area we headed south towards Old Fort Island, stopping en route at the westernmost of the two islands that comprise Louise Island. A small, quite modern site was found, consisting of a tent frame.

Discussion The island is very low and would not have been exposed during most of the precontact period. However, it has evidently been used at least as a temporary shelter during the past few decades.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-71 Map Sheet 85 J/6, KcPj-12

Description Feature 1. House Remains. GPS 513 0588655E 6913789N. 162 m asl (5.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-132 to 2-134. Feature 2. Tent Frame. GPS 515 0588509E 6913797N. 153 m asl. Photos 2-135 to 2-137. We landed on the northwest side of Old Fort Island, just outside the boulder barrier that joins the island to the mainland. From here, I walked to the southwest tip to search for a possible cemetery. No such site was found in the open forest at that end of the island, but one habitation site was recorded. A recent camp site consisting of a tent frame, table, hearth and other material is located in a clearing at the northern tip of the southwest end of the island. An old cabin site was also located about 200 m east of the modern camp in a clearing in the woods. Some stove parts are located south of the cabin, and a possible

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 privy to the east. A small handmade paddle was found lying on the surface near the northwest corner of the cabin.

Discussion The 4 x 10 m outline of the cabin is quite large and may have been the Old Fort referred to by the name of the island. Peter Baker, a trader in the early 20th century, in his autobiography referred to “a settlement at Old Fort Island, as it is called” and “we didn’t stop at the Old Fort to visit Harry Lafferty, his wife and grown up family as were told that they had gone to Fort Rae” (Baker 1976: 82). Elder Philip Goulet also mentioned that Lafferty’s store was located at the southwest end of Old Fort Island and that there were “lots of Laffertys” so there should be other houses there. He did not know of a cemetery (P. Goulet 2004, pers. comm.).

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation. The southwest end of the island should be subjected to more intensive survey to locate any cemeteries and additional house remains and to confirm the identification of the structure found as Lafferty’s store.

YKD-72, KcPj-13

Description Feature 1. House Remains. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 517 0589771E 6915274N. 157 m asl (<1 m above lake level). Photos 2-143 to 2-144. By the time this survey was finished, the wind had risen considerably and we found that we were trapped on the island. We attempted to get across to the west side of the bay opposite Old Fort Island to survey north towards the point south of Louise Island, but the high waves rolling in from the southwest nearly swamped the boat so we returned to our lunch stop on the southwest coast of the island. From here, I walked over the top of the island, thinking that “Fort” might literally refer to a military fort, in which case it seemed most likely that it would be situated at the northeast tip of the island where it would guard travel routes on the lake. At the top of the island I encountered an area of very deep fissures in the bedrock and places where large blocks of rock had detached from the bedrock outcrop. After nearly falling into a hidden crevasse I continued on down hill to the northeast tip, finding nothing but thick forest and steep slopes. Form here, where I could see that boat travel was clearly impossible, I returned along the northwest coast back towards the camp, finding one additional small site.

KcPj-13 is a small cabin foundation measuring 4 x 4 m with sawn lumber, round nails and rusty tin cans less than 10 m from shore.

Discussion The southeast shore of the island was not surveyed. According to Paul MacKenzie, there are some modern fishing camps along that part of the island. As we passed by that coast the next day, we could see that there are several sandy beaches and higher terraces, which should be surveyed.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-73

Description Feature 1. Winter Fish Camp. Map Sheet 85 J/6. GPS 518 0592106E 6910431N. 157 m asl (<1 m above lake level). Photos 2-149 to 2-155. The next morning the wind had died and moved around to the west, so we left early and headed north to check the terraces on the west coast opposite Old Fort Island. We found them to be very low in elevation. Several blowouts were checked, but no sites found. The next stop was at Wrigley Point, 5 km south of Old Fort Island, where we found a winter fishing camp surrounded by an acre of garbage. A higher terrace above the camp was checked but no site found. Some large, old tree stumps cut by axe and cross-cut saw indicate a much older use of the point.

Discussion This site is a real eyesore, full of abandoned machinery, dilapidated buildings, and piles of refuse. A trail cuts across the point to an extensive area of sand, where a probable ice house is located in a sand knoll. It appears that this sand deposit, which extends more than 2 km to the south, has also been quarried.

Recommendation The old fishing camp should be cleaned up and closed. A survey should be conducted of any undisturbed area on the sand terrace south of the point, and on the higher terrace above the 180-190 m contours, which parallel the coast.

YKD-74

Description Features 1 and 2. Tent Frame and Hearth. Map Sheet 85 J/3 (NAD 27). GPS 519 0601224E 6892385N. 161 m asl (4.6 m above lake level). Photo 2-156. South of Wrigley Point, we checked and/or went ashore at Spruce Point, an unnamed point and Redrock Point, discarding them all as prospects for historic period or precontact sites because of too-shallow approaches, too-high cliffs, or too-low shores. We found a place to get ashore on the north side of Alexander Point, where a series of gravel beach ridges rises from the shore to an elevation of 2-3 metres. These beach ridges were inspected, but only two recent sites were found. The survey extended 1.5 km west to the bottom of the bay.

YKD-74 is a old camp site, with a tent frame and hearth and a pile of old firewood 15 m south of the present beach.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Discussion These deep bays no doubt have additional sites related to trapping as there are many streams and small lake and ponds westward from the lake.

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

YKD-75

Description Feature 1. Trapping Camp. Map Sheet 85 J/3. GPS 520 0601212E 6892364N. 159 m asl (2.6 m above lake level). Photos 2-157 to 2-158. This was the final site found on this part of the survey, and consists of an old wooden frame for drying strips of meat and several other structures related to a temporary hunting or trapping camp. Among the artifacts found were several rolls of birchbark with cut holes used for sewing the bark onto the frame of a canoe, suggesting some antiquity for at least part of this site.

Discussion

Recommendation This site is not at risk from any known activities and requires no mitigation.

By 11 a.m., the wind was beginning to rise again from the south, so we decided that we would not continue the survey further south and take the chance of being stormbound again and instead headed straight back across Great Slave Lake almost 50 km to Dettah, arriving at 1 p.m.

5.0 SUMMARY AND CONCLUSIONS

The results of these surveys, in which 118 new archaeological, burial and contemporary sites were found over the course of two weeks of field work, clearly show that there is huge potential for the discovery of sites in most locations around at least the north shore of Great Slave Lake and the adjacent near interior. Combined with the 64 sites found during the 2003 surveys between Wool Bay and Matonabbee Bay, our total of new sites found during two brief seasons of field work amounting to less than four weeks in total now exceeds 180. While few of the sites found have been disturbed by recent mineral exploration activities and few seem to be at risk from the activities proposed in the short term by Snowfield Development Corp., other sites have definitely been disturbed and most likely destroyed by sand and gravel quarrying and cabin construction on the west side of the North Arm, and by construction projects associated with Plummer’s fishing lodge at Taltheilei Narrows. Clearly, because of the density of known sites and the high potential for the presence of additional sites, the YKDFN and MVEIRB are justified in their concerns for the integrity of heritage resources in the Drybones Bay area, which is at the heart of recent mineral exploration interest and, where more intensive exploration

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 activities and/or mine development would have potential for negative effects on heritage resources, without mitigation.

It seems evident that this entire coastline has been occupied by aboriginal peoples for several hundred and most likely several thousand years, and continues to be used by Yellowknives Dene and others for hunting, trapping, fishing, recreation and other pursuits, and today also by mineral and mining interests through staking, exploration sampling and gravel extraction. These objectives may not be compatible in some cases.

The large number of sites found during surveys which were more often directed by information received from the elders than on intuitive research objectives or controlled surveys by the archaeological team indicates that the density of sites in all areas surveyed can be expected to be higher than the approximately 200 sites now known, including sites previously recorded by William Noble, Tom Andrews, several avocational archaeologists and others. Based on the findings from the survey of the Snowfield claim blocks, the potential for disturbance of sites by exploration in that area is low, given the current project description and the evident concern for heritage conservation displayed by Snowfield. However, the potential for inadvertent disturbance would expand considerably in the event of mine development. Intensive mineral exploration and other forms of disturbance around the north shore of Great Slave Lake such as gravel and sand extraction, road and airstrip construction, and recreational cottage and lodge construction should always be subjected to some form of archaeological assessment. The results of our surveys over the past two years indicate that sites exhibiting evidence of human land use are located in a wide variety of environments at varying elevations and distances from the lake, so it is difficult to evaluate an area’s archaeological potential without a field visit.

The Northwest Territories and Nunavut and adjacent parts of the western provinces are undergoing unprecedented pressure to find and develop natural resources. The proliferation of exploration for oil, gas, diamonds, gold and other resources requiring field camps, survey markers, cut lines, equipment storage areas, drill sites, winter access routes and other infrastructure, the development of mines, wells and plants to produce and process these resources, the construction of roads, airstrips and pipelines to transport the extracted materials, and the development of infrastructure to support these activities each has the potential to take a toll on the region’s archaeological and other cultural resources.

Archaeological sites are a non-renewable resource; each site that is inadvertently destroyed in the absence of prior surveys and assessments or as part of a mitigation process reduces the resource base and, if the site has not been investigated, the potential to gather additional knowledge about earlier occupants of the land. Sites that are found during archaeological field inventories and assessments and are allowed to be destroyed during industrial development are normally accorded some form of mitigation such as complete or partial excavation and/or documentation of all surface features. While the data acquired during mitigation provide a lasting legacy, the site itself is lost.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 The extent of cumulative impacts on heritage resources of continued mineral exploration and eventual development is difficult to measure without a better understanding of the resource base that will be affected. However, present knowledge of the density of sites, the often large extent of sites, and the distribution of sites in many different environments around the East Arm and North Arm and intervening north coast of Great Slave Lake as a result of the surveys and investigations described in this report and the report on the 2003 survey produced for the YKDFN (Thomson 2004a) suggests that the cumulative effect on cultural resources of continued and expanded exploration, gravel extraction, mine development and the construction of associated infrastructure will be negative, with or without mitigation. It is also clear that local aboriginal peoples, who still hunt, trap and fish in the area and whose ancestors are buried in the area, are concerned about the effects on their traditional activities and sites of spiritual significance.

Assessment of Potential Impacts

The areas of past and currently active exploration and ground disturbance on the Snowfield claim blocks between Drybones Bay and Matonabbee Bay have been thoroughly surveyed. No evidence was found of any disturbance to archaeological resources. However, if intensive exploration-related activities such as bulk sampling, construction of new winter access routes or large-scale drilling programmes are planned in areas not previously surveyed, these areas should be subjected to an archaeological assessment. For now, it is recommended that the Snowfield exploration programme be permitted to continue.

On the Snowfield claim blocks east of Drybones Bay, it is highly unlikely that any archaeological or historic sites will be disturbed by the proposed drill programme or winter access, and no further archaeological assessment is considered necessary at this stage. However, if the exploration programme expands away from the ponds or lake ice, or travel to the claim blocks is undertaken in the summer months, an archaeological assessment should be undertaken, focusing on the access routes, bedrock outcrops, and open pine forest around the ponds and lake and elsewhere in the claim blocks where exploration activity may take place. It is recommended, therefore, from the perspective of historic resource management, that the proposed drill programmes at the WIRE, FATE-1 and GTEN-16 claim blocks be approved. In the event that exploration activities extend beyond those areas on lake ice, or summer access by land trail is considered, an archaeological field assessment should be undertaken prior to any disturbance on land.

The area around the Plummer’s Lodge at Taltheilei Narrows should be subjected to a thorough archaeological assessment to discover the extent of disturbance to the archaeological and cultural heritage of this significant area, and to develop mitigation measures to prevent any further disturbance. At least four sites have been disturbed or partially destroyed by construction and maintenance of the Lodge facilities since 1940.

The extensive sand deposits on the west side of the North Arm between the peninsula north of Whitebeach Point and the mainland opposite Old Fort Island have been disturbed by sand and gravel extraction. Such activities should not be permitted without prior

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 assessment of potential effects on archaeological resources. At least one site has been disturbed and, given the extent of aggregate extraction activities and the density of sites in the area, it is likely that many more have been totally destroyed. It is recommended that an intensive survey be conducted on the system of sand terraces west and south of Whitebeach Point to properly evaluate the extent of damage to the area’s precontact archaeological heritage, and the identify other sites that may be at risk from future development .

In general, any large scale project proposed for the north shore of Great Slave Lake with plans for extensive ground disturbance should be subjected to an archaeological assessment. Even small scale projects have the potential for disturbance if situated in proximity to a known site or an area of archaeological potential. Where necessary, mitigation measures can be developed to minimize or compensate for site disturbance.

Site Interpretation

Field research over the past two years on the north shore of Great Slave Lake has resulted in the recording of a wide variety of site types. Their function has been interpreted subjectively, sometimes with conflicting opinions offered by Dene elders. Additional research among elders familiar with the area and the land use practices, as well as comparison with findings from elsewhere, would be beneficial.

Boulder structures interpreted as hide-drying rings are a prominent feature of the archaeological sites found around Drybones Bay and, to a lesser degree, eastward into the East Arm. They consist of a variable number of boulders invariably placed on bedrock outcrops where they were presumably used to hold down the outer edges of moose hides, or sometimes perhaps caribou hides, at some stage in the hide processing activity. Alternatively, the boulders may have been used as anchors for lines tied through the extremities of the hide, e.g., the skin on the neck, limbs and belly. The bedrock outcrops are often quite extensive and may contain several or many of these features, sometimes in clusters of 2-5 or more. The nature of the bedrock outcrops (scoured clean of most soil, gravel and boulder deposits by glacial action and often sloping) is that few or no trees are present, and they are therefore exposed to breezes and sunlight for much of the day. In addition, the outcrops are often at a high elevation. The sloping nature of the outcrop allows for moisture accumulated during the processing or from rain and dew to drain readily. The boulders have clearly been moved to their location of use; most outcrops encountered have been completely cleared of boulders and gravel by glacial action and the rings stand out as anomalies. Many of the outcrops on which these rings were found are close to a lake or pond, suggesting that a source of water was required at this stage of hide processing.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 thongs (e.g., H. Tobie 2004, pers. comm.). Their scattered location and ubiquitousness, often in areas where there is a poor or no view of the surrounding terrain because of a screen of trees, suggests that they may have been located near snares used to capture game and that the hides were then taken to the nearest outcrop (of which there are hundreds around this part of Great Slave Lake) for processing, with the meat, perhaps, taken back to a camp elsewhere. Almost none of the hide-drying ring sites contained any artifacts that would help to date the features. However, they are often lichen covered, suggesting some antiquity; the fact that most elders spoken to do not remember their use indicates that they may have been a component used more in the precontact period than in the last century or two when cutting poles for frames would have been more easily accomplished with metal axes and saws. Interestingly, Andrew Stewart, working with Inuit elders on the Kazan River, southwestern Nunavut and around Churchill, Manitoba, describes similar cobble or boulder features on sloping ground, which the elders there interpreted as caribou hide-drying rings (A. Stewart, pers. comm. 2004; Keith and Stewart 1999).

Linear arrangements of boulders, usually found in this area on bedrock outcrops and often in association with other features such as tent rings and hide-drying rings, have been interpreted in two ways. At the end of the spring hunting or trapping season, toboggans used for travel need to be stored through the summer months. In order to prevent the wood from buckling, boulders were placed on the bed of the toboggan to weight it down. Placing it on a bedrock outcrop with a slight slope rather than on a flat vegetated surface would help preserve the wood and lashings. The second interpretation is that some of these linear features may have served to hold down and straighten sheets of birchbark cut from adjacent trees for use in making birchbark canoes. In some cases, these features were located adjacent to stands of birch trees. As with the hide-drying rings and tent rings, the boulders used in these structures have been deliberately placed on the bedrock outcrops, which are usually otherwise devoid of surface boulders.

Birchbark canoes could be made using locally available materials and would allow trappers and hunters to continue their activities during the period of spring break up of the ice on lakes and rivers. The toboggan would then be abandoned or stored and the canoe used instead. Stands of birch are common in the area, although most trees present today are quite small. The birchbark would be stripped in sheets from larger trees and laid out on a flat bedrock outcrop to straighten and be processed before being cut and sewn around the frame of a small canoe.

The difficulty in assigning dates and cultural affiliations to these boulder features is that there is rarely any cultural material associated with them. Lithic material, for instance, would indicate a precontact occupation or use; the presence of wood or charcoal or rusted tin cans in a hearth would suggest a historic period occupation. In the event that some of these structures are located within an area of proposed disturbance during any future mine development, it would be necessary to investigate all structures more intensively, perhaps including attempts to date lichen growth; testing any soil deposits or inspecting the ground surface beneath structural rocks for any artifacts; obtaining interpretation of

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 function from a wider range of elders; and undertaking comparative research in the literature and among other investigators.

Quartz veins are quite common in the area and many appear to have been exploited. A few show definite signs of having been tested by a prospector or geologist, as large chunks have been left near where they were extracted (instead of being taken away for use in tool-making) and in some cases material has clearly been blasted out of the vein, landing many metres distant. Other veins and quartz boulders have small scatters of flakes and occasionally finished or incomplete tools around them. White quartz, because of its availability, was favoured by precontact people who travelled to this area, reducing the need to haul along large quantities of other lithic material in the form of finished tools or blanks for tool manufacture.

It is possible that bedrock outcrops were a preferred travel route, allowing the hunter or trapper to travel unimpeded by the thick brush. When we were not following a winter trail we found that we did the same thing, searching for bedrock outcrops, not only for their archaeological potential but also as a relief from the brush and often-wet ground conditions. The outcrops are often signified by jack pines that seem to thrive on the dry conditions on and around bedrock outcrops, and are easily seen from the vantage point of other outcrops (M. Beauregard 2004, pers. comm.)..

More intensive and microscopic inspection of the possible preforms and a search for finished tools or tool fragments, as well as inspection of the quartz in the vein for traces of metal hammers, might help to confirm whether veins considered to have been exploited during the precontact period are in fact precontact sites, or veins tested by a prospector looking for traces of gold or other minerals, or both.

Contemporary Dene prefer island locations for camp sites, as they tend to be avoided by bears and are less prone to forest fires. Dry bedrock islands may also be less susceptible to mosquito and black fly infestations and are also open to a breeze off the lake. More intensive surveys of islands might discover whether this preference extended into the precontact period, or reflects the increased mobility allowed by dog teams and boats in the historic period.

Accurate elevations should be obtained for the potholes found by Alfred Baillargeon near the mouth of François Bay and those reported by Fred Sangris east of Matonabbee Bay, and information collected on any other occurrences to see if they might help date a stage of stasis of Glacial Lake McConnell (M. Beauregard 2004, pers. comm.), when human populations might have settled on terraces around its margins.

6.0 RECOMMENDATIONS

The density of known sites in the study area indicates that other sites are present and potentially at risk. Before intensive exploration or mine development activities or other extensive tourism, recreational or industrial developments are permitted on the north shore of Great Slave Lake, more extensive, research-oriented, surveys with full

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 participation in the planning and implementation by members of the YKDFN or other appropriate aboriginal group should be conducted, and all areas likely to be disturbed by these activities should be thoroughly assessed. In addition to the practical benefits of development-related assessment such as the preliminary work by Snowfield described in this report, surveys aimed at documenting sites known through traditional knowledge and other, often older, sites located by interpreting the attributes of landforms and natural resources during these community-sponsored surveys provide archaeological evidence of land use and occupancy by aboriginal peoples over many generations. These preliminary findings can lead to interesting research objectives such as those described above in Section 5, Site Interpretation. Areas of particular importance for additional investigation include the parts of the coastline and islands between Taltheilei Narrows and Yellowknife, and from Yellowknife up the North Arm that have not yet been surveyed, traplines and other travel routes into the interior, and areas where quartz veins and outcrops of other lithic materials such as quartzite, jasper and shale are likely to occur.

Each site found should be evaluated for scientific and cultural significance in collaboration with the YKDFN and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, the potential for disturbance should be assessed, and the significance of the individual sites and the cumulative effect of disturbance on the resource base should be weighed. Tentative recommendations for management of each of the sites found in 2004 are provided in Table 2. Mitigation options such as avoidance, protection and controlled investigation should also be considered for each site threatened by future exploration or development. The cumulative effect of these decisions should be weighed in a broader regional context.

Mitigation

Several broad scale mitigation measures should be employed by Snowfield and other mineral exploration groups. These measures are described below, as well as some site specific measures.

In order to reduce the inadvertent disturbance of boulder features that may not be recognized by exploration field crews as archaeological sites, mitigation should include a requirement for stakers to obtain boulders needed to support stakes on bedrock outcrops from a natural source, not from what may be a tent ring, hide-drying ring, birchbark or toboggan press, cache, hearth or other feature that may be cultural in origin. Alternatively, perhaps some form of artificial stand that would hold a stake in place could be developed and used by staking teams.

The potential for the presence in this area of quartz veins exploited during the precontact period, and associated tools and tool fragments which might be diagnostic as to age and cultural group, is high. It is recommended that, whenever possible, disturbance to quartz veins be kept to a minimum and that exploration personnel make note of veins encountered so that they can be inspected by an archaeologist.

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Eight of the sites found during the Snowfield survey are between 1-2 km from the nearest point of Drybones Bay, Great Slave Lake or Matonabbee Bay, emphasizing once again the need for surveys in the interior and the dropping of the assumption that archaeological sites are invariably associated with large bodies of water such as Great Slave Lake.

The Taltheilei Narrows area requires a special set of mitigation procedures. The following are adapted in part from Andrews 2002.

?? Create a federal or territorial heritage reserve on the north side of the east end of the runway to protect the cemetery, and mark its boundary with a fence to prevent future inadvertent disturbance. ?? Conduct a ground-penetrating radar survey to establish the location of the graves and find the limits of the cemetery. ?? Using oral history, record the knowledge of elders from Lutsel K’e and other communities of the cemetery and its occupants. ?? Convert Parcel C of the Plummer’s Lodge lease into a federal or territorial heritage reserve to protect the KdNw-2 site, the graves identified on a 1950 survey map (Andrews 2002), and the precontact component of KdNw-10. Include a ground-penetrating radar survey to locate the reported graves. If necessary, provide a fence around the graves to prevent any future disturbance. ?? Require that Plummer’s remove by hand the old lodge structures from Parcel C, with an archaeologist on site to monitor unavoidable ground disturbance. ?? Conduct an archaeological assessment of the Taltheilei Narrows area, including all areas occupied by the Lodge and associated infrastructure such as picnic areas, to document any disturbance to known archaeological sites caused by Lodge- related activities such as the construction and maintenance of buildings, docks, roads and the airstrip and use of the several quarries, and to document any new sites in the vicinity. ?? Conduct an archaeological assessment of any planned future construction activities associated with the Lodge, including excavation of a drainage ditch between the runway and the Taltheilei Narrows cemetery to better channel the runoff from the cemetery area. ?? Prepare a heritage resource management plan to place all of the above measures in context, to guide future development of the Lodge, to establish measures to protect documented heritage sites, to train Lodge personnel in site identification, and to establish procedures for reporting of any new sites found.

In general, given the extent of damage to sites at Taltheilei Narrows and the Whitebeach Point area, it is strongly recommended that any proponent wishing to carry out exploration or development of any kind on the north shore of Great Slave Lake should be required to assess potential effects of the project on heritage resources. Proponents should be required to provide regulators with clear maps showing the locations of proposed exploration and likely mine development, proposed infrastructure, and other proposed development so that the likelihood of disturbance can be assessed, the need for a field inventory and assessment evaluated, and mitigation measures developed where required.

In order to assist these processes, we also suggest that the site inventory initiated by the Yellowknives Dene First Nation with the support of the Mackenzie Valley Impact Review Board and the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre be continued so that the cultural heritage of the north shore of Great Slave Lake can be better understood and, where necessary, protected. It is respectfully suggested that these surveys be conducted as archaeological surveys, by archaeologists with full support of aboriginal co- researchers familiar with the area and its resources, and according to a well-developed research plan. This will entail prior discussions with community elders, study of archival documents and maps, inspection of archaeological collections in museums for comparative purposes, and development of a field strategy to ensure that target areas are thoroughly inventoried.

Of primary importance, however, is the continuing need for the Yellowknives Dene and any other affected group concerned about the effect of development on the region’s cultural resources to propose to the MVEIRB, the PWNHC and other regulators how they would like to see exploration and development proceed. For example, the documentation of family cemeteries provide mineral exploration firms with the means to avoid them. The institution of buffer zones around significant sites such as cemeteries during the exploration period would keep those sites safe pending a decision on mine development and the consideration of other mitigation measures.

Table 2 presents proposed site management procedures for the sites found in 2004. These procedures may be revised as mineral exploration and development plans change. An estimate is provided of each site’s significance. A High significance ranking is applied to all cemeteries and grave sites, sites with more than five components, including exploited quartz veins and boulder features, sites with diagnostic lithic material or more than 50 pieces of lithic material, and archaeological sites that have other potential to contribute significantly to knowledge. A Low ranking is applied to recent sites and sites containing only one boulder feature or other feature or an isolated undiagnostic piece of lithic material. A Medium ranking is applied to sites that fall between these two categories. The ranking may be subjected to change in future as sites are re-visited.

Table 2 Site Management Recommendations Field Borden Site Significance Recommendations Number Number S-1 KaPf-45 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-2 KaPf-46 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-3 KaPf-47 Medium Avoidance S-4 KaPf-48 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-5 KaPf-49 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-6 KaPf-50 High No mitigation necessary at this time S-7 KaPf-51 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-8 KaPf-52 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-9 KaPf-53 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-10 KaPf-14 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 S-11 KaPf-55 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-12 KaPf-56 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-13 KaPf-57 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-14 KaPf-58 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-15 KaPf-59 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-16 KaPe-5 High No mitigation necessary at this time S-17 KaPe-6 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-18 KaPe-7 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-19 KaPe-8 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-20 KaPf-60 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-21 KaPf-61 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-22 KaPf-62 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-23 KaPf-63 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-24 KaPf-64 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-25 KaPf-65 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-26 KaPf-66 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-27 KaPf-67 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-28 KaPf-68 High No mitigation necessary at this time S-29 KaPf-69 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-30 KaPf-70 Low No mitigation necessary at this time S-31 KaPf-71 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-32 KaPf-72 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-33 KaPf-73 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-34 KaPf-74 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-35 KaPf-75 High No mitigation necessary at this time S-36 KaPf-76 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-37 KaPf-77 High No mitigation necessary at this time S-38 KaPf-78 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-39 KaPf-79 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time S-40 KaPe-9 Low No mitigation necessary at this time RC-1 (S- KaPe-10 Low No mitigation necessary at this time 41) RC-2 (S- KaPf-80 Low No mitigation necessary at this time 42) RC-3 (S- KaPf-81 Low No mitigation necessary at this time 43) YKD-1 JlPi-1 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-2 KdNw-6 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-3 KdNw-7 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-4 KdNw-8 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-5 KdNw-9 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-6 KdNw-10 High Clean up of old Lodge site (by hand); assessment of all existing and planned Lodge facilities; assessment of all known sites around Taltheilei Narrows; training programme on heritage conservation and

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 archaeological legislation for Lodge guides. Development of a heritage management plan YKD-7 KdNw-11 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-8 KdNw-12 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-9 KdNw-13 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-10 KdNw-14 High No mitigation necessary at this time; collection of lithic samples for analysis YKD-11 KdNw-15 High No mitigation necessary at this time; collection of lithic samples for analysis YKD-12 KcNw-1 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-13 KbNx-2 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-14 KbNx-3 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-15 KbNx-4 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-16 KbNx-5 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-17 KcNx-2 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-18 KaPc-1 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-19 KaPc-2 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-20 KaPc-3 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-21 KaPc-4 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-22 KaPc-5 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-23 KaPc-6 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-24 KaPc-7 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-25 KaPc-8 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-26 KaPc-9 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-27 KaPd-1 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-28 KaPd-2 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-29 KaPd-3 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-30 KaPd-4 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-31 KaPd-5 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-32 KaPe-11 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-33 KaPe-12 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-34 KaPe-13 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-35 KaPe-14 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-36 KaPe-15 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-37 KaPe-16 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-38 KaPc-10 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-39 KaPc-11 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-40 KaPc-12 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-41 KaPc-13 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-42 KaPc-14 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-43 KaPc-15 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-44 KaPc-16 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-45 KaPc-17 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-46 KaPc-18 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-47 KaPc-19 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-48 KaPd-6 Low No mitigation necessary at this time

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 YKD-49 KaPd-7 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-50 KaPe-17 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-51 KcPi-1 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-52 KcPi-2 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-53 KcPi-3 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-54 KcPi-4 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-55 KcPi-5 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-56 KcPi-6 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-57 KcPi-7 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-58 KcPi-8 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-59 KvPj-1 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time pending a regional survey, during which surface artifacts should be collected and the site tested YKD-60 KcPj-2 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-61 KcPj-3 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-62 KcPj-4 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-63 KcPj-5 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-64 KcPj-6 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-65 KcPj-7 High Thorough survey, testing and surface collection from this disturbed site YKD-66 KcPj-8 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-67 KcPj-9 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-68 KcPj-10 Medium No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-69 KcPj-11 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-70 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-71 KcPj-12 High No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-72 KcPj-13 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-73 Low Major clean up and closure of this camp YKD-74 Low No mitigation necessary at this time YKD-75 Low No mitigation necessary at this time

7.0 FINAL REPORT

This draft final report is intended as a review copy for Snowfield Development Corp and the Land and Environment Committee of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation, to inform the interested parties of the results of the surveys in an expeditious manner, to assist in any immediate decision-making, and to accommodate any changes that either party might consider to be necessary. Site record forms were sent to the Archaeological Survey of Canada for assignment of Borden numbers. A final report containing all of the research findings and recommendations as well as the completed site forms will be submitted to the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre and the Canadian Museum of Civilization as required by the terms of the research permit.

8.1 References Cited

Andrews, Thomas D. 1993. Archaeological Assessments 1992. Final Report on Permit No. 92-726. Report on file at the Prince of Wales Northern heritage Centre, Yellowknife.

Andrews, Thomas D. 2002. Letter Report (September 3): Inspection of Plummer’s Lodge (Taltheilei Narrows) Airstrip Area. On file, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Yellowknife.

Baker, Peter. 1976. Memoirs of an Arctic Arab: The Story of a Free-Trader in Northern Canada. Yellowknife Publishing Company Ltd., Yellowknife.

Banfield, A.W.F. 1974. The Mammals of Canada. University of Toronto Press, Toronto.

Bertulli, Margaret. 1987. Report of Archaeological Inspection of Historic Cemetery at Plummer’s Great Slave Lodge, Taltheilei Narrows, Great Slave Lake, NWT. On file, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Yellowknife.

Borden, Charles A. 1952. A Uniform Site Designation Scheme for Canada. Anthropology in British Columbia 3: 44-48. Victoria.

Keith, Darren and Andrew Stewart. 1999. The Churchill Oral History project: Interviews with Inuit Elder John Arnalukjuaq. Research Links 7(3): 7-9 and 18. Western Canada Service Centre, Parks Canada, Calgary.

Moorman, Brian. 2002. Ground Penetrating Radar Survey at Plummer’s Lodge, Taltheilei Narrows, Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories. On file, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Yellowknife.

Noble, William C. 1966-1969. Field Notes and Site Forms. On file, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Yellowknife.

Noble, William C. 1981. Prehistory of the Great Slave Lake and Great Bear Lake Region. Handbook of North American Indians, Vol. 6, Subarctic, pp. 97-106. Smithsonian Institution, Washington.

Perry, D. and W.D. Clark. 1971. Old Fort Providence, NWT. The Musk-Ox, Publication No. 8, Institute for Northern Studies, University of Saskatchewan.

Thomson, Callum (Thomson Heritage Consultants). 2004a. Preliminary Archaeological Inventory and Assessment of Mineral Exploration and Aggregate Extraction in the Vicinity of Drybones Bay and Wool Bay, Great Slave Lake, Northwest Territories. Final

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Report to Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee, Yellowknife. Northwest Territories Permit 2003-927.

Thomson, Callum (Thomson Heritage Consultants). 2004b. Interim Report on an Archaeological Assessment of Exploration Claim locks between Drybones Bay and Matonabbee Bay, Great Slave Lake, NT. July 9, 2004. Snowfield Development Corp., Vancouver. Northwest Territories Permit 2004-955.

Thomson, Callum (Thomson Heritage Consultants). 2004c. Preliminary report on an Archaeological Assessment of Mineral Exploration Claim Blocks East of Drybones Bay, NT. August 12, 2004. Snowfield Development Corp., Vancouver. Northwest Territories Permit 2004-955.

Thomson, Callum (Thomson Heritage Consultants). 2004d. Interim Report on an Archaeological Survey of the North Shore and North Arm of Great Slave Lake. July 26, 2004. Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah, NT. Northwest Territories Permit 2004- 955.

Thomson, Callum (Thomson Heritage Consultants). 2004e. Interim Report on an Archaeological Survey of the North Shore and North Arm of Great Slave Lake, Part 2. August 10, 2004. Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah, NT. Northwest Territories Permit 2004-955.

Thomson, Callum (Thomson Heritage Consultants). 2004f. Summary Report on Archaeological Investigations under Northwest Territories Permits 2004-955 and 2004- 965. Report on file, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Yellowknife.

YKDFN (Yellowknives Dene First Nation). 2003. A Preliminary Report on the Cultural and Historical Resources of the Drybones and Wool Bay Areas. Prepared by Randy Freeman, DownNorth Consulting, Yellowknife.

8.2 Personal Communications

Tom Andrews, Territorial Archaeologist, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Yellowknife Alfred Baillargeon, Elder, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah Mike Beauregard, Project Geologist, Snowfield Development Corp., Yellowknife. Rachel Ann Crapeau, Land and Environment Committee, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah and Ndilo Philip Goulet, Elder, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Ndilo Lucie Johanis, Sites Officer, Archaeological Survey of Canada, Canadian Museum of Civilization, Hull Paul MacKenzie, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah Morris Martin, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah Phil Morck, Yellowknife Grant Nolan, Manager, Plummer’s Fishing Lodge, Taltheilei Narrows, Great Slave Lake

Thomson Heritage Consultants THC2004-5/THC2004-13 Draft Final Report Archaeological Investigations, Great Slave Lake, NT Snowfield Development Corp. and Yellowknives Dene First Nation Land and Environment Committee December 30, 2004 Fred Sangris, Band Council, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah Modeste Sangris, Elder, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah Peter Sangris, Elder, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah Andrew Stewart, Archaeologist, Toronto Helen Tobie, Elder, Yellowknives Dene First Nation, Dettah

SNOWFIELD DEVELOPMENT CORP. 100 - 1009 Expo Boulevard, Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada V6Z 2V9 Tel: (604) 687-4268 ° Fax: (604) 681-6937 ° Toll Free: 1-800-859-6463 [email protected] ° www.snowfield.com

April 12, 2005

Telephone Log Re: MV2003C0023 and MV2005C0010

Date Phone # Local Time Duration Contact Person Phone Receiver Conversation summary Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-392-6581 10:30 - 10:33 am 3 mins. Chief Clifford Daniels, Office Person Their office has not received fax, gave SNO Dogrib Rae Band mailing address. Package mailed. Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-573-3012 12:42 – 12:43 pm 1 min Chief Charlie James Nitsiza, Office Person Gave SNO phone number, they’ll call back Wha Ti First Nation with any comments. Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-713-2010 12:47- 12:47 pm 1 min Chief Joseph Judas, Operator Recording Dechi Laot’l Council (Wekweti) 12:48- 12:52 pm 6 mins Office person Person who received fax wasn’t available. Will advise. 1:03- 1:03 pm 1 min Office person Received fax in full, Chief Judas not available. Will call if any questions or comments. Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-997-3441 12:59 – 1:00 pm 1 min Chief Archie Wetrade, No answer Gameti First Nation (Rae Lakes) 2:32 – 2:35 pm 3 mins Office person Received fax in full. If questions or comments, will call back. Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-370-3151 1:04 – 1:07 pm 3 mins Chief Archie Catholique, Office person Lutselk’e Dene First Nation Fax received, will call back if any comments. Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-873-8951 1:10 – 1:12 pm 2 mins Chief Darrell Beaulieu, Office person Received fax in full, faxed to land and Yellowknives Dene First environment manager Ratchel Crapeau at 867- Nation (Ndilo) 669-9002. Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-873-4307 1:14 – 1:16 pm 2 mins Chief Peter Liske, Office person Received fax in full, no comment. Yellowknives Dene First Nation (Dettah) Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-872-2770 1:25 – 1:28 pm 3 mins President Robert Tordiff, Office person Fax received and faxed it to other offices. Northwest Territory Metis Gave SNO phone number. Will call back if Nation any comments.

Date Phone Number Time (Local) Duration Contact Person Phone Receiver Conversation summary and Result Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-394-3313 1:30 – 1:32 pm 2 mins Chairperson Robert Sayine, Office person Received fax in full. They do not respond to Akaitcho Territory these applications, they’re on the regional Government level. Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-392-6381 1:40 – 1:41 pm 1 min Jolene Huskey, Office person Received email address [email protected] Dogrib Treaty 11 Council 2:58 pm Emailed Ms. Huskey re Confirmation of fax. Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-766-3391 1:43 – 1:46 pm 3 mins Zabey Nevitt, Office person Received fax in full. On Zabey’s desk. He’ll Dogrib Treaty 11 Council look at it and call if any questions or comments. Mon., Apr. 11/05 Not available President Robert Sholto Package mailed. Douglas, Rae-Edzo Metis Local #64 Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-873-9282 1:53 – 1:57 pm 4 mins Ethel Liske, Office person Received fax in full. Will call if any questions NWT Treaty 8 Tribal or comments. Corporation Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-370-3217 1:59 – 2:00 pm 1 min Dora Enzoe, Office person Received fax in full. Agreed to call if there’s Akaitcho Treaty 8 Tribal questions, missing pages or comments. Corporation Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-873-4081 2:04 – 2:07 pm 3 mins Chris Paci, Chris Paci Received fax in full. Will send any email Dene Nation response to Robert Paterson. Mon., Apr. 11/05 1-867-873-9176 2:08 – 2:10 pm 2 mins President Bill Enge, Office person Received fax in full. Will call if any questions North Slave Metis Alliance or comments.