Point Grondine
The Wikwemikong Heritage Organization (W.H.O.) initiated an Archaeological and Historical Survey to document sites and the cultural heritage of the Point Grondine land base prior to development. This work was done in two phases, with Phase One consisting of the historical literature review and elder interviews, in order to learn as much as possible about Point Grondine oral and written history, prior to the archaeology field surveys. Phase Two was field surveys to locate sites and confirm places accounted by the Elders, and from the historical documents to find and document unknown sites.
The staff were trained in ethnographic methods to conduct and record Elder Interviews, learned archaeological survey methods and received training in the Geographical Information Systems (G.I.S.). Once the field surveys commenced they were trained "on the job" to find, record, map and sample sites according to standard methods.
The Elder interviews were done in the traditional language by Henry Pitawanakwat, Archaeological Officer with the band members who grew up or spent time at Point Grondine. Several reconnaissance trips were made early on in the project to visit and photograph Beaverstone Village and other known sites in the area. This photographic record was then used in the Elder interviews to help recall places and events of the past.
Both primary and secondary historical sources were studied, including local church records. Much of the historical research was compiled by Carol G. Peltier, Archaeological Assistant.
The Crew
Carol G. Peltier, Archaeological Officer Assistant, Pat Julig, Archaeologist
Henry Pitawanakwat, Archaeological Officer, and one of our guides, J. R.
Not shown in photo, Henry Shawana
Henry Shawana, our number one guide.
It is very unfortunate and with regret to learn that most elders that would have been of great help and had a solid background of the Point Grondine area, have moved on to the spirit world. The Beaverstone village on Point Grondine was vacant during the 1930's, during the hard times of the depression era. But as Henry Pitawanakwat learned through the interviews, the Point Grondine area was frequented in subsequent years by many band members. There were those with temporary shelters that would spend longer periods of time there (seasonally) either working (logging) or had a history of relatives that actually lived there, and are buried there. Very few remain who actually resided there.
Archaeological and Historical Survey of Point Grondine