Archaeological Reports

Eight assessment trenches were excavated yielding 5417 artifacts in the following categories: lithic; ceramic; floral and faunal remains; lighting and manufacturing equipment; clothing; transportation; unknown; storage and dinnerware containers. Pre-contact artifacts (5396) include Blackduck and Rainy River ceramics, and Post-contact artifacts (21) date from mid-19th to mid-20th centuries. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail, and stratigraphic profiles are included in appendices. Heritage resource management options are presented.

Six locations underwent monitoring and mitigation, including 2 newly identified sites. Recovered Precontact artifacts (513) represent lithic, ceramic, floral and faunal categories. Ceramics are associated with the Late Woodland period (AD 600-1700). The occupation date suggested by stratigraphy is over 1000 years ago. Historic artifacts (37) represent the following categories: architectural objects; glass, wooden, and metal storage containers; dinnerware; faunal remains. Stratigraphy is discussed in detail for each location. Appendices include an artifact catalogue.

Construction monitoring recovered 7574 artifacts from the early 20th century, Protocontact (AD 1650 to 1740), and a Precontact occupation associated with the Blackduck culture (ca. AD 100 to 1400); and a Precontact human burial (dated 1375 years ago). Artifacts represent the following categories: lithics; Precontact ceramics; architectural objects; lighting and manufacturing equipment; communication; clothing; transportation; floral and faunal remains; storage, cooking, ornamental and waste containers; dinnerware. Forensic analysis and cultural context are provided on the burial. Stratigraphy is detailed by layer. Appendices include a final report on the burial by Dr. Christopher Meiklejohn and an artifact catalogue.

Monitoring of construction consisting of auger drilling and mechanized excavation yielded only 12 Postcontact artifacts in the following categories: food processing and glass and ceramic storage and dinnerware containers. Containers are identified by manufacturer where possible, and stratigraphy is discussed in detail.

A total of 10,969 artifacts were recovered during monitoring of Stage I construction in the East Yard at The Forks site. Postcontact recoveries represent the following: architectural objects; lighting equipment; scientific artifacts; medicine; communication; food processing; clothing; transportation; recreation; housewares; containers; detritus; and floral and faunal remains. Precontact recoveries include lithics, ceramics, faunal and floral remains, sediment samples and radiocarbon samples. Stratigraphy and features are discussed in detail. Interpretation is discussed for the following periods: Railway (1888-1988); Industrial and Immigration (1870-1888); Contact and Transition (1737-1870); and Precontact (4000 BC-AD 1737). Appendices include locational data, artifact cataloguing hierarchy, photographic plates, and an artifact inventory catalogue (the latter contained in volume II).