Archeology Report of the New Brunswick sector of Gespegewagig
SUMMARY OF REPORT WRITTEN BY KEVIN LEONARD ON APRIL 30, 2002 FOR MI’GMAWEI MAWIOMI SECRETARIAT
What is Archaeology
In Archaeology, an artifact is any object made or modified by a human culture, and often one later recovered by some archaeological endeavour.
Examples include stone tools such as projectile points, pottery vessels, metal objects such as buttons or guns, and items of personal adornment such as jewellery and clothing.
Other examples include bone that show signs of human modification, fire cracked rocks from a hearth or plant material used for food.
Why Study Archaeology
Artifacts prove presence on the land;
Archaeologists have methods to date artifacts and hypothesize on usage;
Archaeology is important to Mi’gmaq to prove presence on the land previous to European contact;
In order to prove Aboriginal title, the current law in Canada requires Mi’gmaq to prove continuous use of the land they claim;
Methods to prove title:
¡ Oral history, archaeology, anthropology, and history
Archaeology
Limits of Archaeology
¡ Can only study artifacts which can withstand decomposition;
¡ Not all artifacts survive;
¡ Examination of artifacts that survive decomposition only give partial perspective of peoples who created artifact.
Archaeology in Gespegewagig
Clues to Cultural Identity of Artifacts
¡ Shape
¡ Surface details
Artifacts shows cultures have adapted to changing circumstances
Key Archaeologists Studied Gespe’gawa’qi
Martijn (1968)
¡ Finds stored in Fredericton at the NB Archaeological Services
¡ Artifacts found in Pokemouche River
Buxton Keenlyside (1970)
¡ Finds stored in Archaeological Survey of Canada in Hull
¡ Artifacts found in 30 sites in Tracadie area;
Burley (1974)
¡ Finds stored in Fredericton at the NB Archaeological Services
¡ Artifacts found in Miramichi River
Allen (1982a)
¡ Finds stored in Fredericton at the NB Archaeological Services
¡ Artifacts found in Oxbow site Miramichi river
Ferguson (1983)
¡ Finds stored in Fredericton at the NB Archaeological Services
¡ Artifacts found in North Saint-Simon Bay and Miscou Island
Keenlyside (1990)
¡ Finds stored in Fredericton at the NB Archaeological Services
Paleoindian Arrival in Gespe’gawa’qi
The earliest human inhabitants of the Gespe’gawa’qi are the Mi'gmaq, but to archaeologists they are the Paleoindians.
Archaeologists date occupation about 12,000 BP (Before Present Age)
Clovis Point (Fluted Point) is distinctive stone found during this period from Arizona to Nova Scotia (Debert);
What is knowne about Paleoindians
¡ Were efficient pioneers
¡ Able to locate key natural resources required for survival;
Numerous Paleoindian sites found to exist in Maritimes Peninsula;
Distinctive Finds
Clovis Point
12,000 BP
Hogan-Mullin point (refers to illustrations in paper would insert beside each of these..if I had an example).
Kingsclear point
Southern Gulf Points
Debert type points
St. Anne points
Archaic Adaption (Early 8000-6000 BP; Middle 6500-5500BP; and Late (5500 to 3400BP)
Ground Stone Tools Appear including axes and gouges;
Dugout canoes;
Harpoons;
Stemmed projectile points
Finds in Southwest Miramichi (Gerrish site)
¡ Red ochre
Woodland Period (3400- 2700 BP)
Early Woodland Period
Miramichi Area:
¡ Copper artifacts and pottery (insert figure 27).
Middle Woodland Period
¡ Pottery thinner with finer grit and decorated with impressions;
Late Woodland Period
¡ Pottery decorated with twigs and cord.
Climate and Population
Human population may have expanded during Late Woodland period
Copper Sites
Copper Sites
Augsutine Mound
Shediac Bay, NB
¡ Yielded copper nuggets, showing evidence of hammering and folding, blanks, sheet stock, rod-stocked artifacts and tubular beads
Conclusion
Range of artifacts and sites covered in report provide a basis for determining extent, duration and nature of Mi’gmaq occupation in Gaspe region.