Expressions of Intent for International Polar Year 2007-2008 Activities

Expression of Interest Details

PROPOSAL INFORMATION

CANADA #202: Arctic Connections through Space and Time: The Archaeology of Inuit Interaction  (Arctic Connections)

Outline
All human societies, past and present, exist within networks of interaction, manifested in phenomena as diverse as trade, information exchange, and conflict. Arctic peoples are no exception, and the ethnographic and archaeological records indicate that complex interactions were fundamental to the history, social organization, and even survival of Inuit societies. This research project will seek to develop a comprehensive understanding of these interactions through archaeological research, taking advantage of modern archaeology’s extensive range of method and theory for the identification of trade (e.g., trace element or isotopic sourcing of raw materials) and other forms of interaction (e.g., comparison of artifact styles indicating influence between regions). The framework for the field research is inspired by the concept of a “Polar Year”; we will deploy multiple research teams in a single field season (2007), to investigate important sites near modern Inuit communities spread across the eastern North American Arctic from the Mackenzie River to southern Greenland. In each case, excavation will concentrate on sites which fill significant gaps in our understanding of Inuit cultural development over the past 1000 years. In combination with previously published data and existing museum collections, this project will lead to a new synthesis of the long term development of past arctic interactions. Ultimately, we will attempt to understand connections over space and time. Changing patterns of interaction from Thule to Historic periods will be reconstructed, and interpreted in relation to the wide range of social and environmental factors known to have impacted the region. The proposal’s reference to connections through space and time also refers to a model for bringing together Inuit and archaeological communities. The purpose of concentrating this research at sites accessible from modern communities is to allow each field site to function as a point of interaction, in which a partnership is forged between archaeologists and local community organizations. For example, Inuit students will be involved in the excavation, and elders will be central to the process of interpretation. A primary goal would be to incorporate results into school curricula, and to get the information back to the communities through web sites, site visits, and other media. A second set of connections would be within the academic community – arctic archaeologists traditionally working in relative isolation would come together to collaborate in pre-fieldwork meetings and a major culminating international conference and publication series, and field exchanges among faculty and especially graduate students would be facilitated.

What significant advance(s) in relation to the IPY themes and targets can be anticipated from this project?
Theme 2: This project will lead to a detailed understanding of social change in the Arctic over the past 1000 years, through interpretation of the impacts of environmental and social factors on networks of interaction. By studying the history of these relationships, a better understanding of modern Arctic societies will result. Theme 6: This proposal is structured around the development through time of networks of interaction among Inuit societies. As such, it directly and profoundly contributes to the theme of the “cultural, historical, and social processes that shape the sustainability of circumpolar human societies”. The culminating conference and publications will not only be useful to arctic researchers, but will also provide a point of comparison for global social science perspectives on human interaction. q1_7_collab : Fieldwork will take place in both the Canadian Arctic and Greenland. If interest develops, the fieldwork region could expand westward into northern Alaska. This project will involve researchers from at least three countries: Canada, Denmark / Greenland, and the U.S.A. q2_1_Location : Approximately ten field projects are anticipated, with an estimate of eight in Canada (Nunavut, Northwest Territories, Nunavik (northern Quebec), and Labrador) and two in Greenland.

What international collaboration is involved in this project?

FIELD ACTIVITY DETAILS

Geographical location(s) for the proposed field activities:

Approximate timeframe(s) for proposed field activities:
Arctic: 06/07 – 08/07            
Antarctic: n/a

Significant facilities will be required for this project:
Logistics support will be relatively straightforward, since most field projects will be situated in or very near modern communities. Helicopter and other transportation support will be necessary for a minority of field sites which cannot be situated in communities. Logistics related to accommodation will be acquired within communities, usually through commercial operators (e.g. hotels, which are the only option in many communities).

Will the project leave a legacy of infrastructure?
No

How is it envisaged that the required logistic support will be secured?
Own national polar operator
Another national polar operator
Commercial operator

Logistics related to transportation will be acquired from within each country involved (Canada and Greenland). Accommodation will be acquired commercially through local hotels or house rentals.

Has the project been "endorsed" at a national or international level?
This pre-proposal has been reviewed and is being submitted by the Canadian Steering Committee (CSC). Ongoing discussions will integrate this pre-proposal into a larger network of related national and international initiatives. The CSC has initially sorted this pre-proposal into: Healthy and Sustainable Communities: Archaeology

PROJECT MANAGEMENT AND STRUCTURE

Is the project a short-term expansion (over the IPY 2007-2008 timeframe) of an existing plan, programme or initiative or is it a new autonomous proposal?
New

Although this project will build on, and be connected with, many existing projects in arctic archaeology, the field research performed in 2007, and the analyses and interpretations flowing from it, will be entirely new. It is intended to create a “critical mass” of both researchers and information in a key area of arctic research.

How will the project be organised and managed?
The project is intended to function as a framework for relatively autonomous field projects in 2007, each with its own Principal Investigator, all working toward data relating to the common theme. The project leader would facilitate dialogue before, during, and after the 2007 field season, through meetings, conferences, publications, and media liaisons. If project complexity requires it, a steering committee will be established consisting of the project leader and two other investigators, one working in Greenland, the other in Canada.

What are the initial plans of the project for addressing the education, outreach and communication issues outlined in the Framework document?
Education, outreach, and communication are central to the project. Each field site will be selected to allow close interaction with its partner community, and to serve as a point of communication with community groups, media, and where possible schools. Eventual products will be intended for both academic and public / school-based audiences. A large cadre of graduate students will be involved, and many Masters and PhD theses will be based on information collected.

What are the initial plans of the project to address data management issues (as outlined in the Framework document?
Archaeological data will be collected and analyzed according to rigorous, modern standards. These data will be subject to extensive permit regulations within each political jurisdiction, however every effort will be made to comply with the Data Management Plan of the IPY, to ensure secure storage, free availability, and free exchange of data. q3_5_Funding : I anticipate a budget of $150 k in 2006, $550 k in 2007, $200 k in 2008, and $150 k in 2009, to cover pre-fieldwork meetings, 2007 fieldwork, and post-fieldwork analyses, conferences, and publications. Fieldwork funding would be sought from national IPY-related agencies. Through Canadian IPY sources, I would seek funding for fieldwork performed by participants from Canadian institutions, as well as full funding for all participants for project administration, conferences, dissemination, and travel for fieldwork exchanges. q3_6_Addition : I have corresponded with Dr. Robert McGhee of the Canadian Museum of Civilization, regarding his proposed IPY project “Inuit History”, and plan to collaborate closely with that project in areas which allow linkages.

How is it proposed to fund the project?

Is there additional information you wish to provide?
None

PROPOSER DETAILS

Dr Max Friesen
Department of Anthropology, University of Toronto, 100 St. George St., Toronto, ONT


M5S 3G3
Canada

Tel: 416-978-4505
Mobile: no
Fax: 416-978-3217
Email:

Other project members and their affiliation