• ACTUALITÉs

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During the summer of 2012 Avataq Cultural Institute conducted salvage excavations on three sites near the town of Inukjuak. The request for archaeological intervention came from N.V. of Inukjuak and the Pituvik Landholding Corporation, before the disturbance on the sites from town expansion. The projects were funded by Makivik Corporation and Kativik Regional Government. Some students from Innalik School participated under the KRG Summer Challenge program, and also local adult workers were contracted by Makivik Corporation. The students who participated were: Alec Epoo, Jackusie Echalook,Qautsalik Naqtai, Asiva Nayoumealuk, Emy Nayoumealuk and among the adult workers were Donald Anautaq, Dania Echalook, Joanassie Inukpuk, Kuni Nungak, Jobie Nowkawalk, Philopoosie Elijassiapik, Josie Echalook and Allie Aculiak. To help with the logistics Melanie Rousseau (Université Laval) and Andrew Papigatuk (Avataq Cultural Institute) also participated.

The first site excavated was IcGm-25, originally located by Daniel Weetaluktuk and later tested and recorded in 1985 by Avataq Cultural Institute. The site is between the town and the marina about 600 meters northwest of Pigiursavik School. The site was divided into three areas: Area A is composed of at least 6 structures located in a boulder field, including three shallow semi-subterranean dwellings; Area B is located just below the boulder field and delimited to the east by an eroded sandy area; Area C lies east of the eroded sandy area. At the moment of writing, the field work is continuing with one crew, and so far 67 meter-square test-pits have been excavated, resulting in 130 tools and about a thousand flakes. Preliminary analysis of the artifacts indicates a Dorset occupation.

The second site to be mapped and tested was IcGm-43. In 2004, a salvage excavation was undertaken in one portion of the site by Avataq Cultural Institute, prior to the installation of the marine infrastructure. The site is located about 400 meters southwest of the first site. During this summer 43 meter-square test-pits were opened, and in some areas artifacts were found in surface. In all, a total of 112 lithic tools and 7789 flakes were collected. This summer’s work concentrated on an area immediately under threat through town expansion. Most of the artifacts are from the Palaeoeskimo period, however in the areas closer to the beach are Neoeskimo (Inuit) structures which were mapped but less intensively test-pitted.

The third site tested was IcGm-5, located right next to the Pigiursavik School: it was partially excavated in 1995 and 1996 by Avataq Cultural Institute. This summer a total of 22 meter-square test pits were opened and the site was systematically surface collected, resulting in a collection of 79 lithic tools and over 20 000 flakes.

Avataq Cultural Institute would like to thank the Pituvik Landholding Corporation of Inukjuak for their close collaboration and their generous accommodation of our two non-local workers. We also thank the participants of this past summer’s field work, who worked willingly in the rain, wind and sunshine. Stay tuned for further updates.