The Nunatsiavut Government is responsible for the preservation and protection of archaeological resources on Labrador Inuit Lands (LIL). These responsibilities include: regulation of archaeological research activities on LIL; archaeological assessment of impacts related to land use and mineral exploration on LIL; and education about archaeological resources on LIL.
What Should I Do if I Find an Artifact?
Artifacts are important because they can provide us with so much information on the past. However, if an artifact is disturbed, or removed from its context, what we can learn from it will be very limited. Archaeological resources are fragile and non-renewable. If they are disturbed or destroyed they are lost forever. It is for reasons like this that there are laws protecting archaeological resources in this part of the world which make it illegal for anyone other than a qualified Permit Holder to disturb artifacts or archaeological sites. It is illegal to buy, sell, or trade archaeological materials which means that artifacts have no monetary value. They are valuable because of the information they can provide.
If you accidentally find an artifact, it is important that it be left undisturbed, and that activity in the area stop immediately, otherwise irreversible damage could be done. The best thing to do is to make a note of where you observe it, take photos if you can, and contact the Archaeology/ Heritage Division as soon as possible. If you believe the site where the artifact is observed is threatened for any reason, it is especially important to contact the Archaeology/ Heritage Division as quickly as possible. Please help protect the archaeological heritage of Nunatsiavut by being respectful of archaeological sites and artifacts, by not disturbing them, and by contacting the NAO if you encounter them.
Archaeologist
Lena Onalik
25 Ikajuktauvik Road
P.O Box 430
Nain, Nunatsiavut A0P 1L0
Phone: (709) 922-2942 ext. 240
Fax: (709) 922-2863
Email: [email protected]
Archaeology Assistant
Corey Hutchings
25 Ikajuktauvik Road
P.O Box 430
Nain, Nunatsiavut A0P 1L0
Phone: (709) 922-2942 ext. 265
Fax: (709) 922-2863
Email: [email protected]
Heritage Program Coordinator
Deirdre Elliott
25 Ikajuktauvik Road
P.O Box 430
Nain, Nunatsiavut A0P 1L0
Phone: (709) 922-2942 ext. 267
Fax: (709) 922-2863
Email: [email protected]
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Department Overview
Focused on the health of both our people and our heritage, numerous programs have been developed by this department’s divisions to promote and preserve that which makes us unique.
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Culture / Language
Through a number of programs and initiatives, the centre is able to provide the resources necessary for our youth and adults to develop a pride and passion for who they are.
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Archaeology and Heritage
As one of the original inhabitants of Canada, our people have a great history that we wish to both preserve and promote.
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Tourism
We are proud of the home of our people, and we aim to showcase its beauty to the world through a number of initiatives that develop both our economy and our culture.
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The Nanilavut Initiative
Nanilavut means “Let’s find them,” in Inuktitut. This program helps Inuit families find information on loved ones sent away during the tuberculosis epidemic of the 1940s to the 1960s. Some of whom never returned.