Overview of the 1987 Field Season
by
Jean-Luc Pilon
NOGAP Archaeologist
Canadian Museum of Civilization
Summary of the 1987 fieldwork
Thirty site localities were examined of which 27 contained evidence of use by people. The total number of semi-subterranean structures known from the southwest Anderson Plain, as of 1987, is 34, of which 17 were discovered in 1987. Two of these were excavated and two others were extensively tested. In all likelihood, these features date to the last millenium. Evidence for older occupations was also discovered.
Objectives of the 1987 field work
Previous fieldwork, carried out within the context of the Archaeology Project of the Northern Oil and Gas Action Programme (NOGAP) by the Archaeological Survey of Canada, resulted in the discovery of a significant number of archaeological sites, most of which appear to relate to the late prehistoric period (Pilon 1985, 1987). Of special interest, was the discovery of semi-subterranean features, thought to be the remains of either elaborate ground caches or more likely, of habitation structures. Given the preponderance of late prehistoric sites, the 1987 field season was to focus on these remains, and in particular address the question concerning the nature of the semi-subterranean features. To this end, selected sites were either excavated or extensively tested. At the same time, the reconnaissance work begun in 1985 was continued.
Activities carried out during the 1987 field season
We arrived in Inuvik on the 9th of June in order to assess the ice coverage of the lakes and prepare our equipement. The possibility of using a helicopter to ferry the crew and supplies into our first camp warranted such an early beginning. As such, myself and one assistant were brought to the narrows in the western portion of lac à la Truite on the 12th of June along with two slings of gear in order to set up our camp. Difficulties with readying the floatplanes delayed the arrival of the rest of the crew until the 15th of June. However, at that point the camp was ready to receive an additional 6 people and work commenced the following day.
During the first week at lac à la Truite, Dr. Vern Rampton and myself examined a number of localities in the southwest Anderson Plain in view of verifying the nature of the region's surficial geology. We also examined certain promising localities with regards to their archaeological potential as suggested by the preliminary terrain analysis conducted by Dr. Rampton. From this first camp we undertook excavations and testing of MlTk-2 (85JLP-38) and MlTk-3 (85JLP-39), and also carried out additional site survey in the western portion of lac à la Truite and elsewhere in the southwest Anderson Plain.
On the 5th of July, our base camp was moved to the long spit in the middle of lac à la Truite where we remained until July 25th. From this camp we excavated the semi-subterranean feature of MlTj-2 (85JLP-26) and carried out additional site survey in the middle portion of lac à la Truite. We also revisited and mapped the semi-subterranean features of a number of sites located this summer as well as during earlier field seasons. A five-day survey of Hyndman Lake, conducted by myself and Philip Woodley between the 8th and 12th of July, resulted in the identification of 10 sites. One in particular warranted more detailed investigation and consequently the camp was moved to Hyndman Lake on July 25th where extensive testing of a large semi-subterranean feature was carried out until the crew left for Inuvik on the 5th of August.
Acknowledgements
As with most scientific crews working out of, or simply travelling through Inuvik, we once again were taken care of by Mr. John Ostrick and his staff at the Inuvik Research Laboratory. Their role is pivotal and much appreciated.
Fred and Miki Carmichael continue to offer excellent service in all our fixed-wing needs while in the Inuvik area. In addition to the pleasure of flying with Fred, both Cece Rilling and Graham Stroud provided many enjoyable trips between the lake and town.
I am especially indebted to the understanding of Chief Grace Blake of Arctic Red River. Although I did not manage to spend the time I had intended in Arctic Red River, her enthousiasm for my work has been inspiring. Much needs to be done in terms of making archaeology relevant to the public in general and local communities in particular, but I am confident that with individuals such as Chief Blake, useful exchanges can take place.
Mr. Walter Firth once again welcomed me into his home in Arctic Red River and regaled me with fine caribou stew, excellent fiddling and great stories. This summer's crew consisted of Jane Dale, Bruce Jamieson, Philip Woodley Arianne Burke and Deanna Ludowicz. I am grateful to them not only for the quality of their work, but also for their good natures. We had a very pleasant summer together.
This summer I had the pleasure of working with Dr. Vern Rampton in the southwest Anderson Plain. It was like being a child in a candy shop to have a geomorphologist on hand to answer just about every reasonable question concerning the landscape which was put to him.
Jane Dale undertook the onerous task of supervising the excavations of Structure No.2 of MlTk-2 (85JLP-38). This was our first substantial excavation of a semi-subterranean feature in the southwest Anderson Plain and so this work was as learning experience for us all. Later excavations during the summer benefited from the lessons learned during this initial work. By taking over direction of this excavation, it freed me to carry out extensive surveys with Vern Rampton. For the sake of maintaining internal organisational continuity, the section describing the excavation of Structure No.2 has been integrated into the main body of the report. The authorship, however, is Jane's.
