Views and Opinions Expressed in This Paper Are Those of the Author, and Do Not Necessarily Reflect the Opinions of the Participants
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Exploring the Egg Lake /?Eghés tu Landscape and the Lake One Trail A Collaboration with Knowledge Holders in Wood Buffalo National Park By Laura Peterson A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts Faculty of Native Studies University of Alberta © Laura Peterson, 2018 ii Abstract Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) was established in the 1920s as a bison sanctuary, and since then it has received major recognition for its wildlife resources, including designations as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a Ramsar site. But, there has been no formal recognition of its significant cultural heritage. Yet the lands of the park are criss-crossed by multiple overland Aboriginal trails that link together the settlements and areas of land use in the region, and the region itself to other parts of northern Alberta and the Northwest Territories (NWT). The goal of my research was to show how the park’s cultural heritage and values are just as important as its natural values. I do this by using a collaborative approach with local Cree and Chipewyan residents and a Parks Canada archaeologist to document one of the traditional trails in the park and the cultural meanings and stories associated with it. My thesis will discuss this project, consider what this trail research can reveal about the Aboriginal cultural landscape of a northern national park, and more broadly, propose a framework for a revised UNESCO commemorative statement that includes culture. iii Preface This thesis is an original work by Laura Peterson. As a collaborative project working with knowledge holders, the author’s main objective was to listen and learn from the elder’s, record their stories and experiences, and to share this information in the most appropriate and respectful way. The views and opinions expressed in this paper are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the participants. The author takes full responsibility for any errors that may be found in any part of the document. The research project, of which this thesis is a part, received research ethics approval from the University of Alberta Research Ethics Board, Project Name “(Re)mapping Aboriginal land-use patterning on a cultural landscape by examining and linking the relationship between an historic overland trail and the broader network of trails in the region,” Study ID: Pro00039597, July 24, 2013. iv Dedication Dedicated to the elders and knowledge holders who shared their stories and wisdom, and always made time for tea. v Acknowledgements I am grateful to the numerous people who contributed to this project. I am especially honoured to have worked with Lawrence Vermillion, Fred Vermillion, Charlie Simpson, Lawrence Cheezie and his late brother Philip Cheezie (1932-2014), knowledge holders who contributed many hours of their time. I am humbled by their gift of stories, teachings, friendship, sincerity, and most of all their patience. Also, a special recognition to the late Joe Vermillion (1943-2014), brother to Lawrence and Fred. The following individuals assisted with the trail clearing: Curtis and Lois Bourke, Tom Bourke, Durwin Courtoreille, Clifford Antoine, Lawrence Vermillion, Dalton Vermillion, and Leslie Wiltzen, former Park Warden. I am also grateful to have worked with former WBNP employees: Gordie Masson and Don Huisman who generously shared stories and memories. My colleagues in Parks Canada, and especially those I worked with at Wood Buffalo National Park (WBNP) who supported all aspects of the project and took the time to talk park trails with me. I would like to acknowledge Stuart Macmillan, Sharon Irwin, Leslie Wiltzen, Katie White, Jean Morin, Jason Straka, David Campbell, and Rhona Kindopp to name a few. I am grateful to John McKinnon and Craig Brigley, Geomatics Technicians; John for creating the initial drafts of the trail maps and sharing his passion for historic maps, and Craig for kindly picking up the project half way through that led to the outstanding trail maps for this project. I am indebted for the support and encouragement of Donalee Deck, Parks Canada Archaeologist who was instrumental to the success of this project, both professionally and personally. Her guidance and attention to detail during the trail survey, completion of the project’s permit report with the numerous photos, maps and vi tables, resulting in a wealth of information, and her careful chapter edits are appreciated. I could not have done this without her support, encouragement and endless inspiration. Funding for this project was provided by Parks Canada, a Northern Resident Scholarship, Alberta Graduate Student Scholarship, Nuna Logistics MA Graduate Scholarship, Circumpolar/Boreal Alberta Research Grant, Canadian Circumpolar Institute (CCI), Northern Scientific Training Program (NSTP), a graduate student travel scholarship from Profiling Alberta’s Graduate Student Awards to attend the 2014 Chacmool Conference and the Travel Scholarship George Wright Society to attend the Parks and Protected Areas Conference in 2013, along with the assistance from the Graduate Student Association Professional Development Fund . I am grateful for the support and encouragement provided by my supervisor, Dr. Patricia McCormack throughout the project, and the knowledge and guidance shared by Dr. Frank Tough and Dr. Sarah Carter as committee members. I could not have completed this project without their support. Finally, I wish to thank George, Amber and Niklas, my husband, daughter and son, for their unending love and inspiration. Mahsi cho. vii Table of Contents Abstract ...................................................................................................... ii Preface ....................................................................................................... iii Dedication ................................................................................................. iv Acknowledgements ..................................................................................... v Table of Contents ...................................................................................... vii Tables ......................................................................................................... x Figure ........................................................................................................ xi Maps ......................................................................................................... xii Photos ...................................................................................................... xiii Chapter 1 Exploring Historic and Present Day Wood Buffalo National Park .............................................................................................. 1 Natural Resources and Wood Buffalo National Park ..................................................... 4 Aboriginal Use and Occupancy in WBNP ....................................................................... 5 The Lake One Trail Study Overview ................................................................................ 7 Terminology ................................................................................................................... 12 Thesis Overview ............................................................................................................. 12 Chapter 2 Research Methods .................................................................. 14 Phase 1 Review Existing Information ...................................................................... 15 Phase 2 Select the Trail and Study Area ................................................................... 21 Phase 3 Search for Primary Documents ................................................................... 22 Phase 4 Conduct Interviews ..................................................................................... 30 Phase 5 Clear the Trail .............................................................................................. 35 Phase 6 Walk the Trail: Conduct a Trail Survey ...................................................... 40 Phase 7 Analysis ....................................................................................................... 44 A Note on Method .......................................................................................................... 46 Chapter 3 Environmental Setting ............................................................ 49 The WBNP Landscape ................................................................................................... 49 The Lake One Study Project Area .................................................................................. 51 Chapter 4 Cultural Setting ...................................................................... 57 Human History in WBNP .............................................................................................. 57 Regional Archaeology of the Study Area ....................................................................... 58 European Contact and the Fur Trade ............................................................................ 61 Establishment of WBNP ................................................................................................ 63 Chapter 5 Engaging with Community Members ...................................... 68 Selecting Participants: Interviewee Profiles ................................................................. 69 Family History of Lawrence Cheezie and Philip Cheezie