Part Three: Past Arctic & Inuit Archaeological Cultures
For this final post in my mini series, I will briefly discuss the Past Arctic Archaeological Cultures and Inuit Archaeological Cultures in Newfoundland and Labrador (NL). As noted previously, “Past Arctic” is a term I use to describe what many archaeologists call the “Paleo-Inuit” or “Paleo-Eskimo” Peoples. I often use this term in teaching the public in an effort to make it a little less confusing! It is worth mentioning that some archaeologists and Inuit believe there may be a connection (common ancestor) between the Past Arctic Peoples and Inuit. However, in terms of archaeology, they are viewed as separate groups.
Past Arctic Archaeological Cultures
Timeline: Archaeological Period 1 (9,000 – 3,200 Years Ago)
Pre-Dorset
The Pre-Dorset (formerly called the “Early Paleo-Eskimo” or “Pre-Dorset Paleo-Eskimo”) are thought to be the first peoples to live in the Arctic, having moved into Northern and Central Labrador from the Western Arctic. Based on the archaeological evidence, the Pre-Dorset appears around the same time as the Maritime Archaic in Labrador. Archaeologists are unsure if the Pre-Dorset and the Maritime Archaic interacted, but they did occupy similar areas of Labrador and shared a focus on marine resources. Some believe that the Pre-Dorset moving into the area may have pushed the Maritime Archaic out of their traditional territories.
Timeline: Archaeological Period 2 (3,200 – 400 Years Ago)
Groswater
As shown in the name, the Groswater archaeological culture, previously known as the “Groswater Eskimo” or “Groswater Dorset,” was first discovered around Groswater Bay in Labrador. However, the Groswater also occupied Newfoundland too—staying in Newfoundland longer than in Labrador. Some people believe that they are a transition culture—meaning they were the people between the Pre-Dorset and the Dorset. Others think the Groswater were the end of the Pre-Dorset and the beginning of a new cultural group, the Dorset.
Dorset
The Dorset (formerly called the “Dorset Paleo-Eskimo,” “Late Paleo-Eskimo,” or “Dorset Eskimo”) are one of the most studied and well-known archaeological cultures in NL, living throughout Labrador, Newfoundland, and other parts of the Arctic. Some scholars believe that the Dorset originated in Nunavut and moved throughout the Low Arctic (Nunavut, Northern Québec, Labrador, and Newfoundland). According to the archaeological record, the Dorset settled along coastal areas throughout Labrador and Newfoundland. These peoples seemed to live in large groups with a long-term commitment to one area, such as their settlement in Port au Choix.
Inuit Archaeological Cultures
Timeline: Archaeological Period 2 (3,200 – 400 Years Ago)
Ancestral Inuit
Many know this group as the “Thule,” however, we are moving away from that term in favour of “Ancestral Inuit” as “Thule” has been associated with Nazi Germany. The Ancestral Inuit arrived in Northern Labrador about 700 years ago, travelling from the Western Arctic using kayak and umiak (single person and multi person boats) and dog sled. It is clear based on Inuit oral history and archaeological evidence the Ancestral Inuit are the ancestors of Inuit living in Labrador today. It is unknown if the Dorset and Ancestral Inuit interacted with each other, however, there are some Inuit legends describing the Dorset and a term for the Dorset in Inuktitut, the Inuit language (“Tuniit”).
Timeline: Archaeological Period 3 (400 Years Ago – Present)
Inuit
The Inuit of Labrador are descendants of the Ancestral Inuit and have made Labrador their home for centuries, living along the North and South coasts of Labrador. There has been an increase in archaeological work regarding the Inuit in the last 15 years, with many projects completed in partnership with Inuit and researchers from Memorial University. Such partnerships have helped better understand the relationship between Inuit in Labrador and early settlers—showing evidence of trade, intermarriage, and violence by both parties. Further, research with Inuit communities has helped us better understand the occupation areas of Inuit in Labrador—showing evidence of settlement along the Strait of Belle Isle in Southern Labrador.
Conclusion
First and foremost, this blog post mini-series is meant as a brief introduction to Indigenous archaeological history in NL based on research mainly conducted by settler archaeologists. Much work is needed with Indigenous community members to explore Indigenous perspectives on the deep past. The take away from this mini-series is to recognize that there are likely connections between past and contemporary Indigenous Peoples—Indigenous Peoples have been here and continue to be here.