A Guide to Nunavut Archaeology and Artifacts for Northern Communities Acknowledgments

Writing by: Brendan Griebel Design by: Brendan Griebel Project management by: Torsten Diesel, Inuit Heritage Trust

The Inuit Heritage Trust would like to extend its thanks to the following individuals and organizations for their contributions to the Nunavut Archaeology and Artifacts booklet series: • Curriculum and School Services, Nunavut Department of Education • Government of Nunavut Department of Culture and Heritage • Tourism and Cultural Industries, Nunavut Department of Economic Development and Transportation. • Nunavut Tourism • Parks Canada, Nunavut Field Unit • Krista Zawadski • Luke Suluk • Kevin Kelly • Nick Amautinuar • Joanasie Qappiq • David Aglukkaq • William Beveridge • Ralph Kownak • Sharon Thomson • Ken Beardsale • Sue Ball • Sylvie LeBlanc • Max Friesen

© 2014 Inuit Heritage Trust A Guide to Nunavut Archaeology and Artifacts for Northern Communities

Explaining this Guidebook 2-5 Nunavut: A Land of History and Ancestors 6-9 Archaeology: Uncovering the Past 10-13 A History of Archaeology in the Arctic 14-17 Archaeology in Nunavut Today 18-21 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process 22-31 Archaeological Artifacts in Nunavut 32-37 Photographing Archaeological Artifacts and Sites 38-39 Archaeological Sites in Nunavut 40-43 Human Remains 44-47 Archaeology in Conservation Areas 48-53 Archaeology and Nunavut Communities 54-57 Who to Contact with Questions and Concerns 58-61 References and Resources 62-63 Explaining this Guidebook

Why was this booklet to communicate stories about written? the lives of the people who once made and used them. As tools previously used by Inuit Nunavut is a territory deep with ancestors, and tools used by tradition and history. For the modern populations to learn last five thousand years, the about these ancestors, artifacts Canadian Arctic has been home should be respected and to different cultural groups preserved. who have not just survived from the land, but developed While most Nunavummiut rich lifestyles to celebrate the have come into contact with old world through art, religion and objects on the land or in their storytelling. With the passing communities, few people know of time, many of these traditions what to do with them when they have changed or disappeared. find them and may wonder: Often they exist only as memories and the stories passed • Do old tools belong to down through generations. whoever finds them? • Can old sites be reused or Almost anyone who has walked should they be avoided? on the land in Nunavut has seen • Should all old things be traces of past life in the form of donated to a museum? old tools and sites. These same objects, known as ‘artifacts,’ can In Nunavut, guidelines and also be found in homes and regulations have been put in museums where Nunavummiut place to help keep artifacts use them to remember and safe and accessible to future learn about the past. These generations. Many of these materials have a special ability

2 Explaining this Guidebook regulations were created by Who is this booklet Inuit during the process of written for? Nunavut’s land claim settlement and its formation as a new This booklet was written for Canadian territory. They have people who have questions specifically been written for about how Inuit, Nunavummiut, Nunavummiut so that they can archaeologists and developers help preserve Nunavut’s history. should interact with old artifacts These guidelines also apply and sites in Nunavut. Many to archaeology, a profession rules and guidelines have been that studies artifacts to build created by the Government of knowledge about the past. Nunavut for this purpose, but This booklet is designed these are often presented in to help Nunavummiut and very complicated and technical archaeologists become aware language. This booklet will of their responsibilities to explain about archaeology and protect Nunavut’s artifacts artifacts in more basic terms. and history. The booklet This booklet is directed towards explains the best practices three main groups: that exist for interacting with old artifacts and sites, and for • Nunavummiut who are how archaeology should take curious about the rules that place in the territory. These have been set up to protect practices allow local people to history in their territory. take a stronger role in managing This might be people who their own heritage and make find artifacts on the land and sure incoming researchers and do not know what to do with developers treat the territory’s them, or people who want history with a similar respect. to know what happens to the

3 Explaining this Guidebook

artifacts that are removed 1. Archaeological sites and during archaeological artifacts excavations. • What makes an object an • Nunavut businesses and ‘artifact,’ and when does a organizations who wish place become a ‘site’? to use this information • What do artifacts tell us to instruct clients and about the past? employees on best practices • Who do artifacts and sites concerning archaeological belong to? artifacts and sites. • Where do artifacts go when they are dug up during an • Archaeologists and archaeological excavation? developers who wish to • What to do when you find interact with old artifacts an artifact on the land? and sites in Nunavut. 2. The profession of What will this booklet archaeology talk about? • What is archaeology? This booklet will discuss three • How can archaeology help to important areas related to understand the Inuit past? history in Nunavut. The booklet • When did archaeology begin will answer some of the most in the Arctic and how has it common questions that are changed since then? asked by Nunavummiut about • Who is responsible for each of these topics: managing archaeology in Nunavut?

4 Explaining this Guidebook

• What permits and rules do How can this booklet be archaeologists have to fol- used? low? • How can Inuit participate in This booklet has collected archaeology? information from a combination of policies, people and 3. Responsibilities to the past regulations across Nunavut. It concentrates on presenting this • What responsibilities do information in plain language. Nunavummiut have towards In doing so, many details have historical objects? been left out. The material in • What should I do if I this booklet is provided only feel that someone else (a as a broad overview of rules company, researcher or and regulations to help people private person) might be make best practice decisions disturbing archaeological about artifacts and heritage. It sites? is not intended to be read as a • How can local people report series of explicit rules. If people sites and artifacts they have want more exact information found? or the legal wording of certain regulations, this booklet will tell them who to contact or which resources to look through for more detailed information.

5 Nunavut: A Land of History and Ancestors

Have Inuit always lived “In the very first times in the Canadian Arctic? there was no light on earth. Everything was The origins of the Inuit people, in darkness, the lands as told through their legends, could not be seen, the belong to a time long ago when animals could not be animals, people and the Arctic seen. And still, both landscape were one. The first people and animals lived material evidence for Inuit on earth, but there was living in the Canadian Arctic no difference between has been dated by archaeologists them...They may have to around 1250 AD. These had different habits, early ancestors of the Inuit but all spoke the same are known as ‘Sivulliit,’ or ‘the tongue, lived in the same first ones.’ Archaeologists have kind of house, and spoke named this group the ‘Thule,’ or and hunted in the same ‘Neo-Eskimo,’ people. Before the arrival of the Thule, the way. That is the way they Canadian Arctic was inhabited lived here on earth in by various different cultural the very earliest times, groups who came and went times that no one can from the region starting around understand now.” 3000 B.C. While archaeologists call these early populations -From a story told to Knud ‘Paleo-Eskimo’ people, they Rasmussen in 1931 by also name and group them Naalungiaq, a Netsilingmiut according to the different ways man. in which they lived and the types of tools that they used.

6 Nunavut: A Land of History and Ancestors

When Inuit entered the • The Thule were searching for Canadian Arctic, they likely new sources of metal, which overlapped with another was one of the most valuable cultural group known to Inuit as resources at that time; the ‘Tuniit’ and to archaeologists • The Thule were escaping as the ‘Dorset’ people. Inuit from negative social stories describe them as a race conditions in Alaska, which of very strong, yet shy, people included overpopulation and who hunted with massive warfare; strength and simple tools, and • The Thule were following made their buildings with large bowhead whale migrations boulders. What happened to that moved increasingly the Tuniit when the first Inuit eastward as the climate arrived is still not fully known. became warmer. Inuit have many stories about how the two groups interacted, Regardless of their reasons for but archaeologists have never moving, Thule people soon found any material evidence found themselves in a land very of the two groups meeting or different from the driftwood living together. It is still not and whale-rich coasts of Alaska. known why the Thule people migrated into the Canadian Arctic from their previous home in northern Alaska. Various theories have been suggested as to why the Thule would leave a familiar place for a new and relatively unknown land. These theories include:

7 Nunavut: A Land of History and Ancestors

How have Inuit adjusted their lifestyle. The High to the Arctic Arctic was abandoned, with populations moving to less environment? ice-locked locations. During winters, groups began to When the first Thule pioneers construct and live in snow arrived in the Canadian Arctic, houses on the sea ice, which they tried living in a similar way allowed them to focus their to their Alaskan ancestors. They diet around seal hunting. In built large and elaborate winter the summers, inland caribou houses, the earliest of which had hunting became more popular. kitchens as separate rooms so Settlement sizes became smaller that food could be cooked over and less permanent than before an open fire. As in Alaska, their so groups could re-locate main food source continued more often to harvest a wider to be bowhead whales, which variety of animals. Life began to they hunted in teams from a change even more dramatically type of large boat known as after 1500 A.D., and especially the ‘umiak.’ The skill, danger after 1800 A.D., when explorers and large rewards in hunting and whalers from Europe began these animals gave them great arriving in great numbers. symbolism in Thule society and rituals. Why do regional Around 1400 A.D., the climate differences exist in Inuit began to cool again and the sea culture? ice increased, resulting in fewer whales and more dangerous By the late 1600s, Inuit had whale hunting conditions. The abandoned many of their early Thule people began adjusting Thule ancestors’ ways of life.

8 Nunavut: A Land of History and Ancestors

The practice of bowhead whale Learn more about and large sea mammal hunting past cultures in the decreased in most areas. Kayaks and umiaks became used more Arctic! for travel, fishing and hunting caribou in rivers. Technology Click on this icon at the also changed during this period. Arctic Peoples and Early Thule people had created Archaeology website. Connect to the site at ornate tools that were very task specific. Over time, these www.ihti.ca toolkits became less decorated, and contained more broadly usable tools.

As groups of Inuit adapted to different areas and environments across the Arctic, they became more diverse. Regional variations began appearing in tools, housing, language and clothing. These variations have been passed along through generations, and can still be seen among regional Inuit groups such as the Netsilingmiut, the Umingmaktuurmiut, and the Utkuhiksalingmiut.

9 Archaeology: Uncovering the Past

What is archaeology? archaeologists are able to better picture the lives of past people Archaeology is the study of and cultures. the human past. Archaeology often involves the collection Why is context and analysis of material objects, important? known as ‘artifacts,’ that people throughout history have left Context is one of the most behind. Artifacts can be as small important ideas to the practice as a single tool or as big as an of archaeology. Context refers entire house. Artifacts can also to the relationship that artifacts be materials such as animal have to each other and to the bones or landscapes that have environment in which they become altered by humans. are found. When doing an Sometimes these artifacts are excavation, archaeologists found on top of the ground, and carefully record the exact place other times archaeologists have where every artifact is found. to dig into, or ‘excavate,’ the This helps them understand ground to locate them. what was being done with an artifact before it fell to the A good way to understand ground. Finding a specific archaeology is through a tool in a pile of butchered comparison to puzzle solving. bones, for example, allows Archaeologists see the human archaeologists to see that the past as a big unfinished jigsaw tool might have been used as puzzle. Each artifact an part of the butchering process. archaeologist finds helps them Context allows archaeologists to fill in another piece of the to understand the relationships puzzle. As the puzzle fills in, between artifacts on the same

10 Archaeology: Uncovering the Past site, as well as how different archaeological sites are related to each other. When people Step 1: Forming Questions remove artifacts from the land without recording their precise The first step in archaeology is locations, artifacts lose all of to think up specific questions their contextual information about the past that can possibly and have less value for be answered by researching reconstructing what happened archaeological sites. Examples in the past. might include: • How did people hunt How do archaeologists caribou 600 years ago? research the past? • How have people’s diets changed over the last one Archaeological projects can thousand years? draw on many different kinds of • Why did people stop living in a certain area? knowledge. Some archaeologists specialize in animal bones or Archaeological sites are rare old tools, while others examine and valuable resources that are DNA evidence, or compare old often only investigated once. It sites with written documents. is therefore important to have Some archaeologists only work a strong research question to under water. Regardless of what make sure that they are dug up type of artifact, time period, or for a good reason. culture archaeology focuses on, it usually employs a very similar research process:

11 Archaeology: Uncovering the Past

Step 2: Site Survey Step 3: Excavation When archaeologists have Excavation is the act of decided why they are going to digging up old sites to collect dig, they have to conduct a site information. This is done by survey to decide where they will carefully removing the dirt that be digging. A survey is usually covers the site and recording done by walking or flying over all of the artifacts, building a landscape to look for sites of a materials and leftovers from past particular place, time period or uses of that area. The position of culture relating to the research each artifact is carefully mapped question. In Nunavut, old sites to create context. Sometimes, like houses are often very visible different activities occurred at on top of the ground. Other the same place over time and types of sites remain buried, have left numerous layers of and must be searched for more remains. These layers, called carefully. ‘strata,’ often vary in their color and content, and also have to be recorded in maps. The position of layers and artifacts is often related to age: a tool found in a layer located deeper in the ground is likely older than a tool found on the surface.

12 Archaeology: Uncovering the Past

Step 4: Data Collection Step 6: Interpretation The word ‘data’ refers to When all the evidence from a information about any detail site is collected, organized and of an archaeological site catalogued, an archaeologist that helps archaeologists to will begin to develop a story better understand the past. about the past using these Archaeologists must collect as remains. As some data much of this information as will always be missing, it is possible during their excavations impossible to know if that to make sure their interpretation story actually represents what of the site is as well-informed really happened. The more as possible. The collection information and sources of archaeological data takes (such as oral history, written place through photographs, documents, and artifacts measurements, hand drawing from neighboring sites) an maps, and the analysis of archaeologist uses to develop artifacts, animal bones, soil the story, the more detailed and samples, and any other materials complete that story will be. found at the site.

Step 5: Analysis and Step 7: Publication Conservation The final step of an archaeology When an excavation is finished, project is to publish research all the collected artifacts results in a book, journal or and data are returned to the plain-language document workplace of the archaeologist for communities. This helps to be cleaned, studied and other people learn about the pieced back together. Many archaeology that took place and old artifacts are broken or fall the artifacts that were found. It apart easily because of their age. also gives other people a chance Conservation is the process of to add to, or disagree with, the repairing and stabilizing these story that the archaeologist is artifacts. putting forward about the past. A History of Archaeology in the Arctic

How have Inuit While old artifacts were traditionally interacted sometimes altered, they were always handled with the utmost with artifacts? care and respect. Artifacts found out on the land were Before the arrival of Europeans considered to have been put and archaeology to the there for a specific reason, and Canadian Arctic, Inuit had their were not touched out of respect own cultural traditions for using for ancestors who left them and thinking about artifacts. behind. In many cases, these Old artifacts found on the land cultural traditions are still found were often used as educational in modern Inuit communities. tools to help tell stories and teach younger generations about different hunting methods or Did archaeology change the history of their people. Raw attitudes to artifacts? materials from archaeological sites were sometimes recycled, Local attitudes towards old with old tools being re-shaped artifacts began to change or sharpened for re-use. In with the arrival of non-Inuit some cases, whalebone, stones explorers and whaling ships. and sod from old sites were These newcomers showed a used to build new homes. Many strong interest in the region’s Inuit possessed old or broken material remains, and Inuit artifacts that were sewn onto found they could make good clothing as amulets to bring money by digging up and good luck and transfer the selling collections of old tools. hunting talents of their former Inuit also began earning money owners onto the new wearer. as assistants on archaeological excavations. The first

14 A History of Archaeology in the Arctic excavation in the Canadian communities. While travel by Arctic happened in 1922, airplane increased the amount and since then Inuit have of archaeological research being played a strong role in helping done in the Arctic, it meant that archaeologists locate, dig, and Inuit were less involved, and interpret old artifacts and sites. had less control over how their own history was researched. During the beginnings of archaeology in the Arctic, archaeologists would spend Inuit find their voice for long periods of time living the past with Inuit and learning their language and ways of life. Archaeology in the Canadian Following the Second World Arctic began to change in the War, relationships between 1970s with the formation of the archaeologists and Inuit began Inuit Tapirisat of Canada and to dissolve. With the building discussions around creating an of the DEW-Line (Distant Early Inuit land claim settlement. As Warning radar), archaeologists Inuit from across the Northwest gained increased access to Territories got together to find a airplane travel and non-Inuit political voice, strong questions settlements, so they no longer began to be asked about both had to live with or rely on the future and past of the Inuit Inuit to conduct their research. people. Inuit began to ask more Southern researchers could fly questions about archaeology, up to archaeological sites for including where the artifacts summer work, and return to the being dug up were being sent, south without even interacting and why Inuit did not have a say with or visiting Inuit

15 A History of Archaeology in the Arctic in that process. In 1976, the Building guidelines Inuit Cultural Institute and Inuit for a more inclusive Tapirisat of Canada presented a report to archaeologists critical archaeology of their work in the Arctic. Several main arguments were In February of 1994, Inuit from made: across the Canadian Arctic joined together in a conference • Archaeology was not to discuss ways of making being made relevant archaeology more acceptable for Inuit people, and and useful to Inuit. In naming did not seeking to meet the conference Ittarniasalirijiit Inuit objectives; Katimajiit, “those who deal with • Archaeologists were not the distant past,” its organizers interacting enough with tried to point out both the deep local people; history of Inuit culture and • Archaeological work the obligation of Inuit people was more often being to protect that history. This guided by the ‘expert’ meeting produced a series of opinions of visiting new guidelines indicating how researchers than by Inuit wanted to see archaeology Inuit ways of thinking. take place. The spirit of these guidelines was incorporated Inuit began to recommend into a new set of archaeological that more committed regulations for Nunavut in 2001. partnerships be developed These rules make it necessary between researchers and Inuit for archaeologists to: to exchange knowledge and manage historical resources in the Arctic.

16 A History of Archaeology in the Arctic

• have their research proposals “Inuit communities are reviewed and approved by becoming more involved Inuit communities closest to and more outspoken, Inuit where the project will take are asking more questions place; about archaeological work • hire local people as field being conducted in their workers or other staff; area and are wondering • report their project findings back to communities and what happens to the the government; artifacts that leave with • report their project findings the archaeologists after in plain language documents. the field season. People tend to answer these Archaeologist-Nunavummiut questions themselves, and relations have varied throughout since they do not have all time. Relationships tend to the information at hand improve when these two groups they may come up with work closely together and wrong answers.” communicate. During periods when the groups do not share - Part of a speech given by ideas or understand each other’s George Qulaut, Deborah concerns, relationships tend Webster and Gary Baikie at to get worse. For this reason, an archaeology conference in the Government of Nunavut’s 1992. new rules for archaeology try to make sure that archaeologists and Nunavummiut are in communication and agreement about the archaeological projects that take place.

17 Archaeology in Nunavut Today

Archaeology and the that Inuit have a special relationship with such Nunavut Land Claims evidence which shall Agreement be expressed in terms of special rights and The passing of the Nunavut responsibilities. Land Claims Agreement (NLCA) in 1993 gave rise to a In considering how archaeology new era of archaeology in the within the region is carried Canadian Arctic. The NLCA set out, Article 33 includes specific out broad guidelines for how guidelines for the following archaeology should be practiced areas: in the territory. These guidelines are listed in Article 33, which • Setting up the Inuit Heritage has been written specifically for Trust as an organization to archaeology. As stated at the encourage and represent start of Article 33: Inuit participation in Nunavut archaeology; The archaeological record • Creating a new permit of the Inuit of the Nunavut system to monitor how Settlement Area is a record archaeological surveys of Inuit use and occupancy and excavations happen in of lands and resources Nunavut, and to ensure that through time. The evidence all the artifacts recovered associated with their use from those excavations are and occupancy represents dealt with in a proper way; a cultural, historical and ethnographic heritage of Inuit society and, as such, Government recognizes

18 Archaeology in Nunavut Today

• Ensuring that Inuit who Who is responsible for have appropriate skills or training are given priority in protecting and managing situations of archaeological old sites and artifacts in employment; Nunavut? • Clarifying who owns archaeological artifacts from While both the NLCA and both the whole Nunavut Archaeological Permit territory and Inuit-owned Guidelines are available to lands within that territory. the public, many people find it difficult to understand the When Nunavut officially technical language used in became a territory in 1999, it these documents. The following required that a more specific section will discuss what these set of regulations be drawn up documents mean in terms of to guide archaeological practice specific responsibilities for three and permitting in the territory. different groups in Nunavut: In 2001, the Department of Culture, Language, Elders 1. Responsibilities of and Youth (now known as Nunavummiut the Department of Culture and Heritage) published a The NCLA states that the lengthy set of rules for how archaeological artifacts and archaeological permits are sites of Nunavut are considered applied for and processed. to be of spiritual, cultural, religious and educational importance to Inuit. Because of this importance, Inuit are responsible for being

19 Archaeology in Nunavut Today involved in their identification, manage the permit application protection and conservation. system. The Department has Inuit have a special obligation a Territorial Archaeologist, to not only protect and preserve who is specifically trained the materials their ancestors in archaeology and can have left behind, but also to help oversee more technical participate in and help guide archaeological work and permit archaeological work so that proposals. The Department it is done in a respectful and shares archaeological relevant way. Nunavummiut in information and permit general have a responsibility to responsibilities with the Inuit respect the material heritage of Heritage Trust. the territory. This can be done by following the regulations that 3. Responsibilities of the Inuit have been set out to manage and Heritage Trust protect artifacts and sites. The Inuit Heritage Trust (IHT) 2. Responsibilities of the was set up as part of the NLCA Government of Nunavut to support, encourage, and facilitate Inuit participation The Government of Nunavut in Nunavut archaeology. Its is responsible for protecting responsibilities include creating old sites and artifacts on behalf programs to help educate and of all Nunavummiut. The train Inuit in archaeology. The Department of Culture and IHT is also responsible for Heritage is the group designated helping Inuit review permits to oversee archaeological work for archaeological projects near in the territory and to their communities. The IHT has a special position

20 Archaeology in Nunavut Today of Heritage Manager that Archaeological Contacts in is dedicated to facilitating Nunavut community involvement in the archaeological permit process. Director of Heritage Department of Culture and Protected heritage areas Heritage administered by Parks Canada Government of Nunavut (for example, national parks) are P.O. Box 1000, Station 800 under federal jurisdiction, so Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 the territory of Nunavut is not Telephone (867) 975-5524 responsible for archaeology on Fax (867) 975-5504 these lands. Parks Canada has professional archaeologists who Territorial Archaeologist do much of the archaeology in Department of Culture and Parks Canada protected areas. Heritage Government of Nunavut Other archaeologists can also P.O. Box 310 work in these areas, if they get a Igloolik, NU X0A 0L0 Parks Canada research permit. Telephone (867) 975-2046 Fax (867) 975-2047 email: [email protected]

Heritage Manager Inuit Heritage Trust P.O. Box 2080, Iqaluit NU X0A 0H0 Telephone (867) 979-0731 Fax (867) 979-6700 email: [email protected]

21 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process

How do archaeological permission from authorities projects get permission in the form of a permit. This permit process was set up in to take place in Nunavut? the Nunavut Land Claims Agreement, and is overseen by The first step for archaeologists the Department of Culture and who want to do research in Heritage, the Inuit Heritage Nunavut is to contact Inuit Trust, and in some cases, Parks who might be affected by the Canada. project. This includes Inuit communities nearest to the Permits are always given out to location where archaeologists individuals, not groups. That plan to do their work. While means that one archaeologist these communities have to must become the Chief be contacted as part of the Investigator and apply on behalf archaeological permit process, of an archaeological team. archaeologists should begin There are two different types of developing relationships and permits that archaeologists can project ideas with local people apply for depending on the type and organizations as early in of work they want to do: the project as possible. Making contact with Nunavummiut is Class 1 permits often hard for archaeologists to do when they are not familiar A Class 1 permit allows an with a community or who to archaeologist only to document contact for information. an archaeological site. Documentation might include Before any archaeologist is preparing a map of a site, allowed to conduct research in recording a site’s geographic Nunavut they must get

22 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process location, or writing down the • Confirmation that land number and type of different owners and affected features (such as tent rings, or communities have been inuksuit) present at the site. consulted. An archaeologist with a Class 1 Permit is not allowed to collect This type of permit is suitable artifacts or other specimens at a for projects where the interest is site. They are also not allowed to in documenting history without dig, alter or disturb a site in any actually excavating old sites or way. collecting artifacts. For example, oral history projects might In order to get a Class 1 Permit, combine stories and memories an archaeologist must fill out an about an area with records application form that describes about the number and type of the following information: old sites that are still visible there today. • The researcher’s name, affiliation, and qualifications; Class 2 permits • Names, affiliations, and qualifications of other team A Class 2 permit allows members; archaeologists to document • Geographic area and artifacts and archaeological coordinates of the project sites, as well as excavate and (including a map); remove artifacts and other • Time frame of the project; materials from them. Because • A summary of the aims and this type of permit allows objectives of the proposed archaeological sites to be dug project; up and sometimes destroyed, it • Who is sponsoring the requires archaeologists to prove project;

23 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process that they are qualified for the This type of permit is applied research, and that they have for when projects seek to specific plans to take care of and understand the past by store artifacts while they are recording the position and type being researched. of artifacts within old sites. These projects can still use oral When an archaeologist applies history and other forms of non- for a Class 2 Permit they must material information to help include the same information as build a better picture of the site’s Class 1 permits in addition to history. the following information: Parks Canada permits do not • A budget, including how distinguish between different much money will be spent to classes of archaeological work, conserve excavated artifacts; but allow for the same kinds of • Who will fund the work and research activities as permits whether this funding has from the Government of been confirmed; Nunavut. They are also very • Description of plans for site similar to Nunavut permits restoration; in their requirements for the • A statement about analysis and care of collected what forms of artifact artifacts after the archaeology conservation might need project is completed. to take place and where artifacts and specimens will be housed while being researched.

24 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process

Can someone who is not out on the land specifically to search for archaeological an archaeologist apply artifacts or sites. to record sites or dig up artifacts? If a researcher, developer or business owner who is not an archaeologist wants to apply Archaeologists are people who for a Class 1 Permit, they are are specifically trained to record allowed to do so. Examples of the past. They have often gone this might include a biologist through long years of schooling recording old hunting sites and know the proper ways to determine where animals to handle and store artifacts lived in the past. Cruise ship without breaking them. They operators must also apply for are not, however, the only this permit if they want to bring people who have the right to tourists to look at old sites. In interact with old artifacts and order to apply for a Class 1 sites. permit you do not have to be a Nunavummiut do not need trained archaeologist. To receive permits to look at or record the a Class 2 permit, a person position of an archaeological usually has to have advanced site or artifacts for personal training in archaeology. In reasons. When found on the many cases, companies land, however, artifacts should wishing to do construction or never be moved from their development will have to hire original places, and old sites archaeologists to get a Class 2 should never be altered. The permit to properly document or Government of Nunavut remove old sites and artifacts. discourages Inuit from going

25 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process

Step 1 Who Approves The application is sent to Permit Applications the Chief Archaeologist for Archaeology? who makes sure all of its information is complete. Incomplete applications are Nunavut has developed a sent back to the researcher process for reviewing permits to make changes and send it that allows applications to back in. The application will be read and evaluated by not be processed if all the multiple organizations and required information is not interest groups. The permit included. review process can often take several months to complete, so researchers have to submit Step 2 applications a minimum of The Department of Culture 90 days before their project is and Heritage translates the scheduled to take place. The completed applications into following diagram will show Inuktitut, and sends both how reviewing permits takes English and Inuktitut copies to place. the Inuit Heritage Trust. The Inuit Heritage Trust reviews the application and organizes reviews in communities close to, or affected by, the suggested work. Community reviews are undertaken by cultural, heritage and municipal organizations such as hamlet

26 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process

Step 2 (cont.) Step 4 councils, regional Inuit If any application reviewers organizations, or local raises concerns over a project, heritage societies. these concerns are sent back Applications can also be sent to the applicant and must be to organizations outside of addressed before a permit is Nunavut for their opinions on issued. Sometimes a permit the project. will be issued with certain conditions attached, or not issued at all. Step 3 The Chief Archaeologist reviews each application Step 5 and makes permitting When the review and recommendations to the consultation concerning Nunavut Director of Heritage. a permit application are This round of review takes into complete, the Department of account technical details of the Culture and Heritage has three project such as the applicant’s choices: qualifications, whether the research is justified, how • Issue a permit for the the research is designed work originally out- and will take place, artifact lined in the application; conservation plans, plans • Issue a permit with for site restoration, budget, conditions attached; community consultation • Refuse to issue a and sharing of results, and permit, and provide the whether or not the researcher reasons for the refusal has followed the rules during to the applicant. previous projects in Nunavut.

27 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process

Why are archaeology significance to Inuit. They permits refused? can also object to a project if they do not feel it is benefiting or trying to involve There are several reasons why a local Inuit. permit may be refused during the review process. Are any other permits 1. The person applying for a needed to do archaeology permit is not qualified to do in Nunavut? the work or the reasons for doing the research are not While an archaeology permit considered justified. gives permission to do archaeological research in 2. The person applying for a the territory, it does not give permit has not completed permission to use the land a their obligations from project takes place on. If a projects in the past. All project involves excavation, permit requirements from there are many more permits previous projects have to be that need to be applied for finished before a new permit including a Land Use permit, an is applied for. Access to Inuit Owned Lands permit, a Water Use permit and 3. The Inuit Heritage Trust a Firearms Acquisition permit. objects to the project. This If archaeologists plan to collect organization is allowed to traditional knowledge as part of object to archaeological their project, they are required work if it will disturb an to get a research permit for archaeological site of that purpose from the Nunavut religious or spiritual Research Institute. If the

28 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process proposal is for archaeology when an archaeological in areas managed by Parks excavation or survey of sites Canada, the researcher must is finished. Researchers are obtain a Parks Canada permit, given until March 31st of the instead of a permit from the following year to complete Government of Nunavut. permit requirements for properly cleaning, cataloguing An archaeologist gets and reporting on all the artifacts their permits. What they found during their work. happens next? Watch an If an archaeologist applies for archaeological and receives all of the permits excavation in action! they need to do research, they are licensed to begin their Click this icon at the project in Nunavut. The project Arctic Peoples and must take place in a way that is Archaeology website. similar to how it was described Connect to the site at: in the application and must take www.ihti.ca place within a year of applying for the permit.

What happens when an archaeological excavation or survey is finished?

An archaeologist’s permit requirements are not complete

29 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process

Permit deadlines for archaeological projects

90 days before fieldwork starts

• Deadline for September 30th archaeological permit applications to be sent in. • Archaeologists must Permits must be received send a non-technical by March 31st. summary of the fieldwork and two photographs to the 60 days after fieldwork Department of Culture is finished and Heritage for use in public education • Archaeologists must programs and in send in site forms to the an annual report of Department of Culture fieldwork. and Heritage. These forms list details about December 31st all the archaeological sites discovered or • An archaeologist’s permit revisited. A 1:50,000 map to do fieldwork expires showing the locations on this date. of all the sites or a list of GPS coordinates also have to be provided.

30 Archaeology and the Nunavut Permit Process

• Archaeologists must March 31st of following provide the Department year of Culture and Heritage with a summary report • Archaeologists must on the animal remains send a technical recovered from each report to all the Inuit archaeological project. organizations listed on The report must describe the permit and to the information about the community nearest the remains such as what research area. A copy type of bones or remains must also be sent to the were found and what Government of Nunavut. animals they came from.

• Archaeologists must • Archaeologists catalogue and number must send fieldwork the collection of artifacts, documents such as material samples, animal field notes, maps, remains, field notes, photographs, and videos maps and photographs to the Department of from the year’s research Culture and Heritage. and send it to the storage center specified on their • Archaeologists must permit. send a catalogue for their archaeology collection to the Department of Culture and Heritage.

31 Archaeological Artifacts in Nunavut

What is an archaeological • Nunavut’s archaeological artifact? artifacts are properly recorded, so that information exists about An archaeological artifact is a what kind of artifacts have human-made object from the been discovered, and where past. Archaeological artifacts those objects are stored; are everywhere in Nunavut, • Archaeological artifacts do and can be found in museums, not become the property on the land, and in personal of individual people. These and family collections. While artifacts are part of a cultural many Nunavummiut know heritage that belongs to all old artifacts when they see Inuit and should be made them, few recognize that the accessible as learning tools territory has created important to Inuit and non-Inuit alike. guidelines about how these artifacts should be interacted with. These guidelines were How are archaeological developed to help make sure artifacts defined in that: Nunavut?

• The context of Despite their name, archaeological artifacts is archaeological artifacts do not well preserved, so that both belong to archaeologists. The archaeologists and non- Government of Nunavut defines archaeologists can use it to an archaeological artifact as: build a better picture of the past;

32 Archaeological Artifacts in Nunavut

“any tangible evidence How is an archaeological of human activity that artifact different from an is more than 50 years old, in respect of which ethnographic artifact? an unbroken chain of possession or regular An ethnographic artifact is pattern of usage cannot similar to an archaeological be demonstrated.” artifact in that it is something made, modified or used This means that an archaeological by humans. Both types of artifact is: materials are collected and documented by researchers • Any form of material object trying to better understand that has been used by human culture. While humans, not just old tools archaeological artifacts are and old tent rings. Examples old, ethnographic artifacts of archaeological artifacts have usually been made more include clothing, inuksuit, recently, so there are fewer animal bones, and old guidelines that describe how garbage dumps; they should be collected. • An object that was made Examples of an ethnographic more than 50 years ago; artifact might include a • An object that has not been homemade tool or parka, a inherited, or handed down soapstone carving, or a modern through families or from qamutik. An ethnographic person to person; artifact can also be made by • An object that is no longer non-Inuit, but to be significant being regularly used by to Inuit heritage, it must at least Nunavummiut. have been used by or worked on by Inuit.

33 Archaeological Artifacts in Nunavut

Ethnographic artifacts can be • Artifacts collected and owned by individual people or owned by museums or museums. Special laws have individuals prior to the been put in place that allow the signing of the Nunavut Land Inuit Heritage Trust to request Claims Agreement in 1993. the return of ethnographic artifacts from museum Nunavut has no territorial collections outside of Nunavut facility to store and look after as long as it can be proved the its artifacts. Because of this, objects will be transported and artifacts are often loaned out displayed under safe conditions. to other institutions such as universities and museums.

Who owns archaeological Archaeologists can not keep and artifacts? do not own the artifacts they find during their excavations. Inuit own the artifacts of their However, they are required to ancestors. The Government study and report on the artifacts of Nunavut and the Inuit they find, and are allowed to Heritage Trust are responsible borrow them from Nunavut for for overseeing the collection, that purpose. An annual loan research and storage of all agreement for the artifacts must archaeological artifacts except be signed if they are borrowed for: longer than a year after their collection. If the Government • Public records; of Nunavut and Inuit Heritage • A person’s private property; Trust both agree, an artifact • Artifacts in an area managed can be loaned out to a museum by Parks Canada Agency; or another institution for a long period of time.

34 Archaeological Artifacts in Nunavut

Can archaeological not been constructed yet, so artifacts be kept if found arrangements have been made to store collections in other on the land? facilities outside of Nunavut.

Old artifacts should always be Most of the archaeological left undisturbed when they collections are stored in the are found. When an artifact Prince of Wales Northern is moved it loses its context, Heritage Centre in Yellowknife, or relationship with the place or the Canadian Museum of it was left by past generations. History in Gatineau, Quebec. Lack of context makes an If an archaeological collection artifact’s history more difficult comes from Inuit Owned to understand. The rules in Lands, the Inuit Heritage Trust Nunavut do not allow artifacts decides where it will be sent. to be taken home when they are If an archaeological collection found. comes from lands other than Inuit Owned Lands, then the Where do the artifacts Nunavut Government decides collected during where it will go. archaeology projects get Artifacts collected from sent? archaeological investigations in Parks Canada protected The Nunavut Land Claims areas are stored in a specialized Agreement makes clear that building in Winnipeg, a specific building needs to Manitoba. The temperature and exist in Nunavut to house humidity in this building is set archaeological collections from at levels which help to preserve the territory. This building has very fragile artifacts.

35 Archaeological Artifacts in Nunavut

In some instances, an Can archaeological archaeologist will need some or all of the artifacts, animal artifacts be sold? remains and original documentation from their It is illegal for anybody to sell an project for continued research archaeological artifact that was or to write publications. If removed from an archaeological this happens, the archaeologist site on or after June 15, 2001. has to arrange an agreement While it is legal to sell artifacts to borrow these artifacts from found before this date, it is the storage facility that has illegal to take artifacts from an been chosen by either the Inuit archaeological site. Heritage Trust or Government of Nunavut. If someone wants to send an artifact outside Canada for any Sometimes Inuit communities reason, including its sale, a ask archaeologists to special permit must be obtained return artifacts directly to under the terms of Canada’s the community closest to Cultural Property Export and where they were found. Import Act. More information Archaeologists, however, are on the Act and on the steps to not allowed to choose where apply for a permit can be found the artifacts go. Community by going to the Department of concerns or questions about Canadian Heritage website at where artifacts are sent should www.pch.gc.ca, and searching be directed to the Department on Movable Cultural Property of Culture and Heritage. Program.

36 Archaeological Artifacts in Nunavut

Are artifacts destroyed Today, it is rare that an entire artifact would be destroyed by when archaeologists analysis. study them? The Government of Nunavut Archaeologists are specifically has developed a specific permit trained to be careful while that allows archaeologists collecting or handling artifacts. to destroy an artifact. On It is very rare that an artifact the permit application, an will purposely be broken or archaeologist must describe: destroyed. In some instances an archaeologist will request • The type of destructive the removal of a small piece, analysis they are seeking or sometimes a whole artifact authorization for; for tests. This is done for • Where, and by whom the various reasons. For example, analysis will be performed; measuring the amount of • Justification for the proposed carbon in a piece of bone destructive analysis. will destroy it, but will also tell us how old the bone is. This If the Department of Culture helps to infer the age of the site and Heritage is satisfied with where the bone was found. the archaeologist’s application, they will be allowed to destroy As scientific techniques are part or all of the artifact. improved, smaller and smaller pieces of an artifact are needed for analysis. Some kinds of testing can be done without affecting the artifact at all.

37 Photographing Archaeological Artifacts and Sites

What should I do if I find If you find an artifact on the land that you have questions an archaeological artifact, about, take a photo of it on your or have artifacts at home? phone or camera rather than bringing it with you. If taking photos, it is important to know Old artifacts should always that images of archaeological be left undisturbed if they are artifacts can not be taken for found on the land. Sometimes commercial purposes artifacts were collected by without applying for a Class people who did not know 1 archaeology permit first. they should leave them on Photos taken of archaeological the ground. Often these are sites without a permit are not handed down through friends allowed to be sold. and families, and can be found in homes. The best thing to do with these objects is to keep them in a way that makes sure that they are both respected and safe. What the regulations in Nunavut try to prevent is the continued removal of artifacts from the land.

If you have questions about any artifact at your house, you can bring it to a local heritage center or museum, or see if local elders know more information about it.

38 Photographing Archaeological Artifacts and Sites

5 tips for photographing 3) Capture context archaeological artifacts An artifact’s location is often and sites connected to the area that surrounds it. Is an artifact near 1) Be resourceful an old tent ring? Is it close to other objects that might have Just because you don’t have been used alongside it? Try and your camera with you doesn’t demonstrate these relationships mean that you can’t take a in pictures. photograph. Cameras are built into many cell phones, ipads, mp3 players and computers. 4) Objects and sites have Don’t have any of these? Draw a many sides picture. Take pictures of an artifact 2) Create scale or a site from multiple angles. Sometimes different To show the size of an artifact or perspectives will shed new light site, place something of known on an object and its original use. size beside it for the photo, like a coin (in closeups) or a person. 5) Location, location, location Try to remember where your photographs were taken and include this information with the photo. Sometimes it helps to capture a visible landmark in the photo or to take a GPS reading.

39 Archaeological Sites in Nunavut

What is considered to be them to do so. This means that an archaeological site in Nunavummiut and other people without permits should not: Nunavut? • Dig up old antler and bone In Nunavut, an archaeological from archaeological sites; site is considered to be any site • Remove artifacts they find at where an archaeological artifact archaeological sites; is found. A site can be as big as • Remove stones from old tent a whole ancient campground, rings, inuksuit and other or as small as a scattering of old structures. antler flakes from somebody making a tool hundreds of years Many modern camping spots, ago. It is important to note that cabins and outpost camps archaeological sites are not only are near archaeological sites, areas formerly used by Inuit and these sites can become people, but can include areas threatened by modern camp with non-Inuit artifacts such activities. It is recommended as explorers’ cairns and trading that camp residents take post goods. extra consideration of not accidentally disturbing or Who is allowed to damaging their archaeological excavate or alter an heritage. If you go to a camp archaeological site? or cabin and you come across archaeological evidence nearby, No one is allowed to please contact IHT for advice excavate, alter or disturb an on how to manage your camp archaeological site unless they activities without threatening have a Class 2 permit that allows any old structures or artifacts.

40 Archaeological Sites in Nunavut

Even if an archaeological site restored, it is still considered an is under water, a permit is archaeological site, and a class 2 still needed to disturb or take permit is needed by anyone who things from it. This includes wishes to dig there again. shipwrecks, fish weirs and areas where artifacts have fallen to the What happens if bottom of lakes or the seabed. development and With the exception of search and rescue operations, no one construction projects should go within 30 meters of occur near an underwater site unless they archaeological sites? have a Class 1 permit. There are many forms of What happens to an development that can endanger archaeological site when the archaeological sites of an area. These include: an excavation is finished? • Projects that cut lines A person who excavates an through the landscape, such archaeological site has to restore as the building of roads, the site as close to its original winter roads, and pipelines. state as possible once the • Projects that take things excavation is finished. As part of out of the ground, such as Class 2 permit applications, an mining, gravel and sand archaeologist must specifically removal and the creation of describe what measures will be landfills. taken to restore a site once it has been modified or excavated. Even if a site has already been fully excavated and

41 Archaeological Sites in Nunavut

• Projects that create heavy 2. A list is made of all traffic on certain parts the sites that might be of the landscape, such changed or damaged if as recreational areas, development takes place. residential areas, and the use It is the obligation of the of heritage sites in tourism. developer to hire and pay • Projects that establish for a qualified archaeologist large scale camps and to obtain an archaeology infrastructure on the permit and perform this landscape, such as oil, study. The developer will use mineral and gas exploration. the results of the inventory to figure out costs and the Before a development project best way to proceed with the even begins, there are several development project. steps that a developer has to follow in relation to the area’s 3. The number and type of archaeological sites: archaeology sites near the proposed development 1. Developers must have an area are used to come up initial heritage study done with a measure of the area’s on the land where work is archaeological importance going to take place. This that helps decide what study roughly identifies the actions will be taken, either number of archaeological to avoid and fully protect sites in the area, and the the sites, or lessen the likelihood of it being an amount of harm that important archaeological development does to the area. sites.

42 Archaeological Sites in Nunavut

4. A mitigation plan has to be Are Inuit allowed to built between developers harvest bones and ivory and the Department of Culture and Heritage to from archaeological continue development in sites to make carvings or the area. Options might artwork? be to protect the area’s sites and relocate development, In Nunavut, digging up old or to excavate and record sites to remove items without a the sites and continue with permit is not allowed. Even if development as planned. the whalebone and ivory found in old sites has not been carved 5. Over the course of or visibly altered, they are still construction, development considered to be archaeological areas often have to be artifacts. monitored to make sure that no new sites appear, and that known sites are being managed according to the mitigation plan.

43 Human Remains

What are human remains? Human remains and grave goods The Government of Nunavut recognizes human remains In the old days, it was common to be “skeletal, cremated or practice for many Inuit to any other traces of human provide the dead with tools bodies within the context of and small domestic items that recognized cemeteries, marked would be of use to them in the or unmarked graves, and afterworld. These items are marked or unmarked surface or usually known as ‘grave goods,’ subsurface locations.” a term that references materials directly associated with grave Whole skeletons or pieces of sites, cemeteries, or human human bone found out on remains. Grave goods are the land are included in this protected under the same rules. category, even if there is no obvious burial site near where they are found. In traditional times, Inuit often did not bury the dead. Bodies were commonly placed out in the open, under skin covers, or inside rock shelters. While many of these remains ended up scattered by wind, snow, and animals, intact skeletons can still be seen on the land today.

44 Human Remains

Grave goods have Can archaeologists dig traditionally been up human remains? considered as being off- limits to ownership and use The Government of Nunavut by the living. As Cambridge has developed a specific set of Bay elder Mary Avalak guidelines that archaeologists have to follow around human remembers from her remains and grave goods. childhood: These guidelines try to create a balance between different “I start seeing those cultural understandings old things, but of human remains. The every time I go to guidelines acknowledge that grab something out human remains can provide of the ground my important information about grandmother says the past when they are properly “don’t touch it, it’s researched, but also take into not yours, it belongs account spiritual and cultural to somebody who interests of Nunavummiut, as stayed there.” So I well as the respect they have for the remains of their ancestors. was not allowed to touch it.” The 3 main rules for archaeologists are as follows:

1. Human remains can only be excavated by archaeologists under special circumstances;

45 Human Remains

2. Archaeologists have to What happens to consult with community excavated human and Land Claim authorities before the excavation or remains? collection of human remains is allowed; Most of the time, human remains found by archaeologists 3. When human remains will be left in their original are found during an position, and excavation on the archaeological excavation, archaeological site will stop. digging in that part of the If an archaeologist, Nunavut site must stop immediately. authorities and affected The location of the remains communities agree that the must be recorded and the human remains should be remains reburied as closely researched or analyzed, the as possible to their original remains will be respectfully state. excavated and brought to a designated research center. In most cases, the locations where human remains are found are to be treated as an archaeological site. Both archaeologists and non- archaeologists have to treat that site in a way that follows the laws and rules outlined for both human remains and archaeological sites.

46 Human Remains

What rules should What should I do if I developers follow around find human remains? human remains? If you find human remains on the land you should not move When human remains are them. If you think the remains found during a land use are recent rather than old, operation or development you should report them to the project, that project must stop RCMP in your community. immediately. The owner of the project must make sure the appropriate authorities are contacted, including:

• the RCMP; • the Office of the Chief Coroner; • the Department of Culture and Heritage.

The Department of Culture and Heritage will provide developers with assistance and advice to help determine the next steps to follow.

47 Archaeology in Conservation Areas

What are Special Inuit Impact Benefit Agreement. Conservation Areas? This document contains policies to protect archaeological resources within the special Nunavut has several types of conservation area. Each area’s area under special protection. administrative body has slightly These include areas that are different policies for managing considered very important archaeological resources, for their wildlife, landscape, although they often share many and cultural resources. The similarities. most common type of special area in Nunavut is the Federal What areas are protected Park (administered by Parks Canada), Territorial Park by Parks Canada? (administered by Department of Environment, Nunavut When an area is managed by Parks), and the Wildlife, Marine Parks Canada it means that the and Migratory Bird Sanctuary federal government has agreed (administered by Canadian to protect the land because it Wildlife Secretariat). is significant in some way to all of Canada. An area might be selected for reasons such as All of the special areas described its natural beauty, its unique above contain archaeological ecology, or its historical or resources. When these cultural importance. There special conservation areas are are a variety of different areas established, negotiations take protected by Parks Canada: place between federal, territorial and Inuit organizations to develop a document called an

48 Archaeology in Conservation Areas

• National Parks and National

Parks Reserves; Do archaeologists need • National Historic Sites; permits to work in Parks • National Marine Canada protected areas? Conservation Areas and National Marine Archaeologists who want Conservation Area Reserves; to do surveys, inventories • Canadian Landmarks. or excavation in areas administered by Parks Canada Who is responsible for must obtain a Parks Canada permit, instead of a permit archaeology in areas from the Government of managed by Parks Nunavut. This rule applies to Canada? archaeologists employed by Parks Canada as well. Areas managed by Parks The archaeologist must Canada are under federal submit an application through jurisdiction, so the territory the Parks Canada on-line of Nunavut is not responsible Research and Collection for archaeology on these lands. Permit System. This system Parks Canada has professional manages applications for the archaeologists who do much entire country, rather than just of the archaeology in Parks for Nunavut. The application Canada protected areas. Other is received by the research archaeologists can also work in coordinator for that area, who these areas, with an approved makes sure that it is forwarded Parks Canada research permit. to specialists. Parks Canada archaeologists review the

49 Archaeology in Conservation Areas proposal to make sure Applicants are strongly there are good reasons for encouraged to contact the Parks the work to take place, and Canada research coordinator that it has a clearly outlined as soon as they decide on a strategy for restoring the research project, before they file site afterward. Biologists, their permit application. There ecologists and environmental are two deadlines each year for assessment specialists review research permit applications: the application to identify any February 28 for summer or fall concerns related to plants, projects, and October 30 for wildlife, water and human winter or spring projects. This health. Applications will also be is to allow enough time for the reviewed and approved by the joint cooperative management joint cooperative management committee to meet and evaluate. committee for that protected heritage area, which is made up Parks Canada also maintains of Inuit and non-Inuit members. communication with Nunavut authorities in the Department In the permit application, of Culture and Heritage, the researchers are asked whether Inuit Heritage Trust and the Inuit have been given the Nunavut Impact Review Board opportunity to review their about any archaeological work proposal. Parks Canada may conducted in Parks Canada reject a permit application if the protected areas in Nunavut. proposal cannot demonstrate Inuit support.

50 Archaeology in Conservation Areas

What should I do if I Does Parks Canada find artifacts or sites in archaeology involve Parks Canada protected Inuit communities? heritage areas? To make sure Inuit are aware Artifacts and sites discovered of proposals for archaeological in areas administered by Parks research in Parks Canada Canada should always be left protected areas and have undisturbed. If a camera is the opportunity to raise any available, it is suggested that concerns, Parks Canada requires a picture of the site or artifact that researchers contact local is taken. The finds can then communities to discuss their be reported to Parks Canada projects before Parks Canada staff. Staff members will contact will issue a research permit. Parks Canada archaeologists Parks Canada also involves Inuit for advice on what they are and by: what to do with them. As in the rest of Nunavut, it is considered • Inviting Inuit elders from illegal to collect archaeological nearby communities to artifacts or alter old sites participate in the design, without a permit. review and implementation of archaeological projects; • Providing reproductions of archaeological artifacts to nearby communities upon request;

51 Archaeology in Conservation Areas

• Bringing Inuit elders • Wayside Parks for and people familiar with individuals travelling particular sites or areas to through the area; participate in fieldwork; • Historic Parks to protect and • Employing community commemorate historic and members as archaeological archaeological sites. field assistants, bear monitors and boat operators. Who is responsible for archaeology in What areas are protected Territorial Parks areas? by Nunavut Parks? Since Nunavut Parks is a Nunavut Parks are Territorial division in the Department of Parks established under the Environment, the Department’s Government of Nunavut Minister is responsible for the Department of Environment. implementation process and There are several different types administration of Territorial of Nunavut Parks: Parks and the protection and • Natural Environment management of archaeological Recreation Parks to preserve sites within the Territorial natural habitat; Park limits. The Government • Outdoor Recreation Parks of Nunavut can make special for Nunavummiut and agreements with individuals, visitors to enjoy outdoor associations, municipalities and recreational activities; other organizations to • Community Parks to administer and maintain a provide recreational particular Territorial Park. opportunities for local communities;

52 Archaeology in Conservation Areas

Do archaeologists Parks Canada need permits to work in Archaeology Territorial Parks areas? Contact Territorial Parks fall under Cultural Resources the same jurisdiction as other Management Officer lands administered by the Parks Canada - Nunavut Government of Nunavut, so Cultural Field Unit archaeologists must follow P.O. Box 278 territorial rules and regulations Iqaluit, NU for obtaining permits and X0A 0H0 excavating archaeological Telephone (867) 975-4676 sites within a Territorial Park’s Fax (867) 975-4674 boundaries.

What should I do if I Nunavut Parks find artifacts or sites in and Special Places Territorial Parks areas? Archaeology Contact

If artifacts and sites are found P.O. Box 1000, Station 1340, in Territorial Parks, they Iqaluit, Nunavut should be treated the same as X0A 0H0, Canada artifacts found in other areas Phone: (867) 975-7700 of Nunavut. A Territorial Parks Fax: (867) 975-7747 Officer or Nunavut Parks in Email: [email protected] Iqaluit can also be contacted www.nunavutparks.com about the finds.

53 Archaeology and Nunavut Communities

What is community • Collaborating with local organizations and archaeology? people through open communication, meetings Community archaeology and plain language reports; is popularly referred to as • Interviewing elders to ‘archaeology by the people recover local oral history; for the people.’ It is an • Employing and training approach that recognizes the community members with past as belonging equally the goal of developing local to archaeologists and non- heritage workers; archaeologists. Recognizing • Making research findings that the past may be understood public and available to in different ways by different communities through people, community archaeology presentations and easy to tries to make sure that non- read papers; archaeologists have equal • Developing educational control over how artifacts resources, especially for and sites are managed and young people; understood. This is often • Giving communities control accomplished by involving local of the ways that heritage communities in both planning is marketed and promoted and carrying out research locally. projects that interest them. Popular ways of doing this include:

54 Archaeology and Nunavut Communities

One of the main ideas knowledge about the site that underlies community and artifacts; archaeology is that the more • Asking archaeologists to stories people tell about the present their work and the past, the more the past (and its findings of their excavations meaning to present-day society) to the community; will be understood. • Applying for job positions to train and work on What are some ways archaeological sites; that Nunavummiut can Nunavummiut can also ask become involved with archaeologists to take part in archaeology? cultural programs that do not necessarily involve excavation Whether a project specifically or archaeological sites. Some calls itself community ways of doing this might archaeology or not, there are include: many ways that Nunavummiut can become involved in how it • Asking archaeologists to takes place, and how it impacts supply photos or knowledge their community. One way to do about old artifacts for tool- this is to participate directly in building workshops and archaeological excavations. This technology revitalization can include: programs; • Asking archaeologists to pay • Visiting archaeological visits to local schools to talk excavations where about the area’s history or archaeologists are working help with class projects; to ask questions and offer

55 Archaeology and Nunavut Communities

• Asking archaeologists to Do archaeologists have lend their knowledge of the to hire Inuit for their area’s history to help build museum exhibits or write projects? plain language books that will stay in the community. According to the Nunavut Replicas can also be made Land Claims Agreement, of excavated artifacts and left archaeologists have to employ in the community to use for Inuit if they are qualified for educational purposes. a job. As there are currently few trained Nunavummiut The final way that archaeologists, many Nunavummiut can participate archaeologists concentrate on in archaeology is by helping to hiring and training youth as manage and preserve the past. fieldworkers on archaeological This includes: excavations. This gives young people valuable experience in • Leaving artifacts and scientific research. The Inuit sites found on the land Heritage Trust is allowed to stop undisturbed; an archaeologist from receiving • Reporting artifacts and sites a permit to excavate in Nunavut that you think might be if they do not intend to employ important; local Inuit. • Sharing stories about the land. Inuit Heritage Trust and archaeology

The Inuit Heritage Trust (IHT) is dedicated to preserving the

56 Archaeology and Nunavut Communities heritage of Inuit people and Visit the Inuit Heritage ensuring that Nunavummiut Trust website are actively involved in the www. ihti.ca research and interpretation of the territory’s archaeological for: artifacts and sites. IHT is responsible for overseeing • More information on the community reviews in the role the Inuit Heritage archaeology permit process Trust plays in Nunavut and for creating programs archaeology; that build local skills and employment in archaeology. • A list of programs and These programs range from scholarships to build archaeological field schools, Nunavummiut skills to heritage management in archaeology and institutes and scholarships for heritage management; Inuit beneficiaries interested in pursuing heritage-related fields • Information on how in university. to join the Nunavut Heritage Network or sign up for its news letter.

57 Who to Contact with Questions and Concerns

I have taken a picture I want to know who to of an artifact or site and contact about want to know what it is archaeology in Parks Canada protected areas. Ask around your community to see if anyone knows what the If you are interested in knowing artifact is. Elders and heritage about work being done in Parks centres are good sources of Canada areas, contact their information. You can also Nunavut Field Unit in Iqaluit. email a photo of the artifact to the Inuit Heritage Trust, who I want to take part in an will pass the photo along to a professional archaeologist. archaeological project

Contact the Inuit Heritage Trust I want to know more or visit their webpage to find about archaeology being out which archaeology projects done near my community and positions are being offered in Nunavut communities. The Inuit Heritage Trust, Territorial Archaeologist and I have found human the Department of Culture and remains on the land. Heritage all have information regarding past archaeology What should I do? projects and projects currently If you think the remains might being done near communities be recent, or do not know how across Nunavut. old they might be, record their position on the land and contact your local RCMP station.

58 Who to Contact with Questions and Concerns

I know of archaeological I want to find out more sites near my community about history in Nunavut that are being disturbed by developers or people There are many resources for learning about Nunavut history. looking for artifacts. Books about Inuit and Arctic history are available in local Take a photo of the damage libraries, and the Internet also being done to the site and has many relevant sites. Many email it to the Territorial elders are willing to share stories Archaeologist, along with a about their own past and earlier description of the location, events in Inuit history. to see if appropriate permits have been applied for. If no application for permits has I want to know specific been made, the Territorial details about the Archaeologist will contact locations or contents of appropriate authorities to deal with the site disturbance. archaeological sites in my If you have concerns about area. cruise ship tourists disturbing archaeological sites you To protect cultural sites from can also contact Nunavut damage, access to specific Tourism, the Department of information about sites in Economic Development and Nunavut is restricted. An Transportation or IHT. application must be sent in to the Territorial Archaeologist detailing why the information is needed.

59 Who to Contact with Questions and Concerns

I want to get a Class 1 Archaeologist or Inuit Heritage permit to do tourism Trust directly. If the research issues are related to traditional or research with knowledge studies or work that archaeological sites. is not specifically archaeology, you can contact the Nunavut Contact the Department of Research Institute with your Culture and Heritage Director concerns. of Heritage or Territorial Archaeologist for more information about obtaining a permit. Permit regulations can also be found on-line at their website (www.ch.gov.nu.ca). The Inuit Heritage Trust is also able to supply information on the permit process.

I am worried that archaeologists or researchers are not doing their job properly.

If you are worried about research being done in your community, have your local hamlet office investigate, or contact the Territorial

60 Who to Contact with Questions and Concerns

Contact Organizations in Nunavut

Director of Heritage Environment Canada - Department of Culture and Heritage Prairie and Northern Region Government of Nunavut Canadian Wildlife Service P.O. Box 1000, Station 800 Protected Areas & Stewardship Iqaluit, NU X0A 0H0 Eastern Arctic Unit Telephone (867) 975-5524 P. O. Box 1714 Fax (867) 975-5504 Iqaluit, Nunavut X0A 0H0 Territorial Archaeologist Telephone: 1-800-668-6767 (in Can- Department of Culture and Heritage ada only) Government of Nunavut email: [email protected] P.O. Box 310 Igloolik, NU X0A 0L0 Nunavut Parks and Special Telephone (867) 975-2046 Fax (867) 975-2047 Places P.O. Box 1000, Station 1340, Iqaluit, email: [email protected] Nunavut X0A 0H0, Canada Heritage Manager Phone: (867) 975-7700 Inuit Heritage Trust Fax: (867) 975-7747 P.O. Box 2080, Iqaluit Email: [email protected] NU X0A 0H0 Web: www.nunavutparks.com Telephone (867) 979-0731 Fax (867) 979-6700 email: [email protected] Cultural Resources Management Officer Research Liason Parks Canada Nunavut Field Unit Nunavut Research Institute P.O. Box 278 Box 1720, Iqaluit, NU Iqaluit, NU XOA OHO X0A 0H0 Building 959 Telephone (867) 975-4676 Tel: 867 979-7279 Fax (867) 975-4674 e-mail: [email protected]

61 References and Resources

Booklet References Resources for • Knud Rasmussen. 1931. The Archaeology and Netsilik Eskimos: Social Life Community Research and Spiritual Culture. Report Relationships in Nunavut of the Fifth Thule Expedition 1921-24. Vol. 8 (1-2). • Arctic Peoples and • Douglas Stenton. 2003. Archaeology by Inuit Guidelines for Applicants Heritage Trust and Holders of Nunavut Territory Archaeology and This multimedia CD outlines Palaeontology Permits. the history of Arctic peoples in Nunavut Department of Nunavut. The CD-ROM can be Culture and Heritage. purchased, or tried for free, at Available at: the IHT website. www.ch.gov.nu.ca

62 References and Resources

• Negotiating Research • Taloyoak Stories of Relationships: A Guide Thunder and Stone by for Communities by Inuit Heritage Trust Nunavut Research This virtual exhibit explores the Institute and Inuit history of the thunder house Tapiriit Kanatami. and related archaeological sites around the community of This booklet informs Taloyoak. The website has many Nunavummiut about their teaching resources included for rights and responsibilities when Nunavut classrooms, and can be participating in research. found at: www.taloyoaknunavut.ca • Ancient Harpoon Heads of Nunavut, and Ancient Stone Tools of Nunavut, by Robert Park and Douglas Stenton

These booklets introduce readers to the history of two types of artifacts commonly found in Nunavut. They can be purchased from the Nunavut Arctic College or Inuit Heritage Trust website.

63 “When we speak about the origins and history of our culture, we do so from a perspective that is different from that often used by non-Inuit who have studied our past…Our history is simply our history and we feel that the time has come for us as Inuit to take more control over determining what is important and how it should be interpreted. To be of value, our history must be used to instruct our young and to inform all of us about who we are as Inuit in today’s world”

- Inuit Tapirisaat Kanatami 2012 www.itk.ca