Archaeological Research Proposal for Sabina Silvers Hackett River Project
Objectives of Project
The 2007 archaeological work proposed for the Sabina Silver’s Hackett River project will
be conducted under a Class 2 Nunavut Archaeologists Permit. The objectives of the
archaeological impact assessment are: (1) to identify and evaluate any archaeological
sites located within and adjacent to proposed developments, (2) to identify and assess
possible impacts of the proposed developments on any identified archaeological sites, (3)
to provide recommendations regarding the need and appropriate scope of further
archaeological studies prior to the initiation of any proposed developments, and (4) to
recommend viable alternatives for managing adverse impacts.
Participation of local Inuit community members in field studies is encouraged and they
will be invited to participate. Archaeological research will be undertaken with a holistic
approach that seeks to incorporate local traditional knowledge and to work
collaboratively with other scientists to identify heritage resources. Should new
archaeological sites be discovered during field reconnaissance (inventory), a preliminary
site assessment will be undertaken. However, detailed evaluations would likely be
required in 2008 if it is determined that any of the sites identified cannot be avoided.
Field work is scheduled to commence under snow-free conditions, in July or August.
Methodology
Prior to the initiation of field work background research will be conducted including
review and evaluation of archaeological, historical and ethnographic literature relevant to
the proposed project area and locality in general. Assessment of archaeological potential
will be determined based on background research and a combination of slow and low
helicopter over flights and selected pedestrian survey at the site. Traditional use
information, if available, will also be used to assess potential.
The archaeological inventory will involve an extensive pedestrian survey of those areas
of the proposed development identified as having potential for the presence of
archaeological resources. Additional areas may be selected for survey when considered
appropriate. Examination will consist of a combination of systematic and judgmentally
selected pedestrian survey traverses. Spacing will depend on the archaeological potential
of the landform and will range from 5 to 30m spacing. A judgmentally selected sample
of low potential areas will also be surveyed. Ground surface exposures will be examined
for archaeological materials during this survey. Artifacts identified on the surface during
the pedestrian survey will be recorded/photographed and left in place unless they are
determined to be threatened by development activity or if they are unique or diagnostic.
On landforms with moderate to high archaeological potential where ground cover is
dense or on landforms where there is soil deposition subsurface testing may be
conducted. Subsurface tests will be excavated in 10cm levels and will be approximately
40 cm by 40 cm. Materials recovered from tests will be screened through 6mm mesh
screen or hand and/or trowel sorted. The location of subsurface tests will be
judgmentally determined. Any artifacts found during subsurface testing will be collected,
as their context has been disturbed.
When necessary, more detailed site assessments may be conducted. These assessments
will involve more intensive surface examination and subsurface testing. Subsurface tests
will be conducted in a systematic way to determine site boundaries and archaeological
significance. One to five evaluative tests may be excavated in order to obtain additional
information regarding site content, integrity, and stratigraphy. Evaluative testing will
involve the controlled excavation of 50 x 50 cm or 100 x 100 cm test units, dug in 10 cm
levels to underlying non-cultural deposits (5cm levels may be used if extensive cultural
deposits are encountered). The evaluative units will be positioned in order to provide
information from different parts of the site, keeping site disturbance from testing to a
minimum. Sediments from the tests will be screened through 6 mm mesh. Artifacts,
identifiable faunal remains, and datable materials (such as charcoal) will be collected for
further analysis. Profile drawings of sediment stratigraphy and features exposed in walls
will be prepared. Detailed notes will be taken and the site area will be mapped (including
location of tests, features, and significant artifacts).
If any sites are found to be immediately threaten by development and avoidance until
2008 is not possible mitigation measures may be taken that will include subsurface
excavation and intensive surface collection. Site size and significance will determine the
number of subsurface tests. The methodology described in the previous paragraph will
be used.
Professional judgment will be used for site assessments and will relate to the potential
scientific value and potential to contribute to the regional cultural history. The
assessment of impact potential will be based on the site’s type and potential significance.
Avoidance is always the preferred option. Where avoidance is not possible the condition
and significance of the site will be used to determine appropriate mitigation
recommendations.
All archaeological sites identified will be recorded in field notes, photographed and GPS
coordinates will be obtained. The location of all sites will be plotted on 1:50,000 field
maps. Site forms for all archaeological sites recorded during this study will be submitted
to the Chief Archaeologist of Nunavut and the Canadian Museum of Civilization.
As the focus of this study is to identify archaeological sites in the proposed development
zone it is not anticipated that a large number or artifacts will be collected. All artifacts
will be catalogued, descriptively classified, measured (when complete or near complete)
and compared to existing regional typologies. A minimum of 10% of faunal remains
recovered from each feature will be reported on. Lithic artifacts will be analyzed by the
permit holder, faunal material and organic artifacts will be analyzed and if conservation is
required will be submitted to Cross Art Conservation.
As per the “Guidelines for Applicants and Holders of Nunavut Territory Archaeology and
Paleontology Permits” the following will be done:
 A non-technical summary report will be submitted by September 30. 2007.
 A conservation report will be prepared and submitted by October 31, 2007.
 A technical report will be submitted on or before March 31, 2008
 Artifacts, faunal remains, samples of soil, charcoal, shell, pollen etc., site forms,
photo documentation, catalogues, field notes, and report will be sent to the
repository (indicated on permit) by March 31, 2008