Lesser Slave Lake Northshore Indigenous Heritage Inventory

Project Objectives

In collaboration with Swan River First Nation (SRFN), Tolko Industries, and Ember Archaeology, this project aimed to increase archaeological knowledge about the north shore of Lesser Slave Lake, while integrating Indigenous history and Traditional Land Use (TLU) knowledge.

Special Considerations

In 2021, Tolko Industries presented their plans to harvest areas on the north shore of Lesser Slave Lake. Swan River First Nation (SRFN) opposed any harvest along the north shore due to the locations’ importance to the community, citing past and present use of the area.

Acknowledgment of the cultural significance of the north shore to Swan River First Nation, and to other Indigenous communities, was not represented in Alberta’s registry of historic resources. As such, an agreement was reached between Tolko and Swan River First Nation: Tolko would fund an “Indigenous Heritage Inventory” of the north shore using their available Forest Resource Improvement Program (FRIP) funds, managed by the Forest Resource Improvement Association of Alberta (FRIAA), and halt all harvest plans in the study area until project completion.

The multi-year project was approved by FRIAA, it began in 2021, and ended in 2024.

The Outcome

Over the course of three field seasons, community participants of Swan River First Nation and staff of Ember Archaeology visited 40 locations where it was believed that historic resources may be located. Over 1,100 shovel tests (40 x 40 cm holes) were dug in search of buried artifacts, and countless kilometers were traversed along the north shore of Lesser Slave Lake.

These efforts resulted in recording 29 new historic resource sites, 4 modern-use sites, and the re-evaluation of two known sites, all of which tell the story of a human presence reaching back over 6,000 years. In addition, Swan River First Nation and Ember Archaeology engaged in several annual community events, including classroom presentations, Swan River First Nation Culture Days, Community Culture Workshops, and the Northshore Culture Camp held at Lily Creek Campground.

Reflections of a Collaborative Practice

This study stands apart from all archaeological research to date because of the availability of LiDAR and satellite imagery, a large study area not confined to a development, and the desire to ask the big questions that are not often considered in development-driven research.

From precontact times to the present, the north shore continues to be a place that people and communities have a strong connection to. The sense of stewardship for the north shore and Lesser Slave Lake region is strong amongst Swan River First Nation members. The archaeological record now reflects that the significance was prevalent in people over 6,000 years ago, as well. This connection is something that has not faded over time, nor will it likely ever.

“Collaboration is a transformative, decolonial approach that fosters healing, trust, and shared stewardship of cultural heritage.”