Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Borrow Sources Investigations Program
Alan Youell (NWT Archaeologist’s Permit 2012-012)
On behalf of the Department of Transport, Government of the Northwest Territories, Kavik-Stantec Inc. conducted an archaeological impact assessment of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Borrow Source. The specific purpose of the archaeological component of the Inuvik to Tuktoyaktuk Highway Borrow Source Investigations Program was to identify archaeological, historical, palaeontological and traditional land use sites at the proposed gravel borrow source locations. These borrow source locations are situated within the Inuvialuit Settlement Region east of the east channel of the Mackenzie River and west of Eskimo (Husky) Lakes. Investigation of the developments was conducted under Northwest Territories Class 2 Archaeologists Permit #2012-012.
To conduct the assessment, archaeologist Alan Youell and wildlife monitor Tommy Chicksi of Inuvik conducted a field reconnaissance of the proposed development areas. The field reconnaissance consisted of a pedestrian traverse and intensive surface examination to determine the presence of unrecorded archaeological or cultural sites. Shovel tests were excavated in areas with the potential for buried cultural materials.
The areas investigated during the archaeological assessment of Tuktoyaktuk Highway Borrow Source Investigations Program included the assessment of borrow sources 2.45, 170, 172, 173/305, 307, 314/325 and 312, no archaeological, historical or palaeontological sites were located and no previously recorded sites were revisited. However, two land use sites (modern campsites) and a section of the Jimmy Lake to Eskimo (Husky) Lakes trail were recorded.
Based on the results of this assessment, there are no outstanding conflicts between archaeological, historical or palaeontological sites and the potential gravel borrow sources 2.45, 170, 172, 173/305, 307, 314/325 and 312. It is recommended that any impact to the land use sites should be mitigated through consultation with the communities involved.
(Edited by Shelley Crouch, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre)
