• ACTUALITÉs

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This past July, the Department of Archaeology did a week of intensive survey in Aupaluk. The project, headed by Elsa Cencig (Avataq Cultural Institute), and assisted by Marianne-Marilou Leclerc (Université de Montréal), was to make an inventory of archaeological sites in the area, mainly in the zones targeted by the mining industry. The Community asked Avataq to intervene to protect and preserve the Inuit cultural heritage. The timing for this survey is good since Oceanic Iron Ore is only at the preliminary stage and will not start exploiting the iron deposits for a number of years. Oceanic Iron Ore is the main financial partner in this venture to ensure that the construction and exploitation of the iron ore deposits will not damage the archaeological resources.

The two archaeologists went first to Nunaturlik (Old Aupaluk), accompanied by David Angutinguak (Aupaluk’s Mayor). We wanted to document the recent history of the area. The team also went to Allavik (Red dog Lake), Tasialuk (Ford Lake), Castle Mountain, Iron Valley and Tikiraalujjuaq (Breakwater point), to identify all archaeological sites in these areas where mining will occur.

Briefly, there is no cultural remains in the major zones selected by Oceanic Iron Ore for the iron extraction (i.e. Iron Valley, Castle Mountain). There are some historical camps on the south shore of Allavik (Red dog lake) and one by Tasialuk (Ford lake), but they are outside the mining zones. However, Tikiraalujjuaq (Breakwater point) is a significant place for the past and for more recent times. This location where Oceanic intends to build several components (e.g., buildings, port facility, etc.), count 15 archaeological sites, from Tuniit times (Dorset) to historical times. Today, it is also a good hunting place for Aupalummiut. There will be more discussions between Avataq, Aupaluk and Oceanic Iron Ore to ensure the preservation and/or salvage of these sites.