By Kelly Brooks
Discovering the intricate connection between ancient Mi’kmaq and the marine ecosystem is now something the public can experience for themselves.
Since 2008, researchers from the Canadian Museum of Civilization have explored the South Shore of Nova Scotia in search of special archaeological sites called shell middens.
Tours of these sites are now available to the public at Thomas Raddall Provincial Park in Port Joli, allowing people see what the process of real scientific archeology is like.
“Some people think its just finding the artifacts, and that’s not what it is,” says Dr. Matthew Betts, project director and Curator of Atlantic Provinces Archaeology. “The process of archaeology is very carefully documenting what you're finding, the position in which you are finding it, and how those positions relate to each other. Reconstructing the history of the site.”
Betts says he wants the public to learn about the destruction caused by looting or collecting, which are unpermitted explorations of archeological sites.
“Collectors aren't interested in the relationships of the positions and things of the site, they're not interested in reconstructing the history of the site, they're just interested in finding the objects,” says Betts
Betts says that the objects themselves tell very little about the history of the site. It is the location of the objects, how they relate to each other, and what position they are found in that is really important for archaeologists.
“That’s part of the plan for the public archaeology,” says Betts “To show people what real archaeology is like and what sort of destruction can be caused just by coming with a shovel and looking for artifacts.”
Although there has been no recent evidence of looting in the area, there were some major issues with personal collectors in the 50s-80s.
Betts says it has been a real problem to such a degree that many sites in Port Joli have been looted beyond repair.
“They look like craters on the surface of the moon, just big trenches and holes,” says Betts “Its unfortunate because those sites are lost to science. There's nothing left, nothing we can learn."
Betts says the public program has been successful, and he thinks it helps people feel consulted and involved in their own history.
“I wanted the public and the community to feel engaged in the process,” says Betts “They could come and see what we're doing as its happening, get some of that immediate feedback, and participate in that moment of discovery.”
Guided tours of the sites are held every Friday and Saturday at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. until July 31. Tours leave from Scotch Point and take approximately one hour.
Space on the tours is limited, so call (902)-683-2664 to reserve your preferred time.
