2009-005 Grant Clarke

Grant Clarke (NWT Archaeologist’s Permit 2009‐005)

In June and July 2009, IMG‐Golder Corporation (IMG‐Golder) conducted an archaeological survey on behalf of the GNWT Department of Transportation for the all weather access road between the community of Tuktoyaktuk and a gravel source referred to as ‘Source 177’. The road extends south of the hamlet to Source 177, located on Inuvialuit‐owned 7(1) (a) lands. This assessment was completed under a Class 2 Archaeologist’s Permit No. 09‐005 issued by the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre (PWNHC) to Grant Clarke (archaeologist, Golder).

The access road right‐of‐way is approximately 22 kilometres in length and is situated in rolling topography. The proposed route crosses several small streams and is located adjacent to several small to mid‐sized lakes. The overall potential for heritage resources is considered to be moderate to high for parts of the right‐of‐way.

Approximately 1/3 of the right‐of‐way was assessed as part of this field investigation. Construction of the road base was initiated on most of the northern 2/3 of the right‐of‐way precluding an appropriate inspection of the pre‐construction environment. A total of 15 shovel tests were excavated during the course of this assessment. No surficial or subsurface cultural materials were identified as a result of the field investigations.

The assessment included a low level helicopter reconnaissance of the entire length of the right‐of‐way in conjunction with pedestrian survey with shovel testing in areas of highest archaeological potential. Shovel testing was completed to identify areas of deposition and possible buried sites. Ernie Dillon, of Inuvik, assisted with the assessment.

No heritage resources were identified or revisited as a result of this investigation.

(Edited by Shelley Crouch, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre)