Archeological discoveries reveal the presence of an ancient camp on a secluded High Arctic island dating back over 4,000 years. Shedding light on the early inhabitants near the Canada-Greenland border, the findings provide insights into their utilization of a newly flourishing ecosystem. The site, situated in Kitsissut, a collection of rocky islands between Greenland and Ellesmere Island, poses a significant challenge to access today, requiring a daunting boat journey of at least 53 kilometers through harsh Arctic sea conditions.
Lead researcher Matthew Walls noted the extraordinary feat it would have been for ancient peoples to navigate to Kitsissut using watercraft. Estimated to take 12 to 15 hours by canoe or kayak, the journey was fraught with potential weather shifts from calm to stormy. The site’s artifacts indicate frequent human presence over an extended period, suggesting a sustained utilization of the location.
University of Toronto Arctic archeologist Max Friesen emphasized the advanced seafaring capabilities of the Paleo-Inuit people, indicating the discovery of fragments resembling skin-covered boats made from bone or wood structures. The implications extend beyond local findings, hinting at broader implications for Arctic transportation technology and resource utilization thousands of years ago.
The archeological team, led by Walls alongside University of Greenland researchers Mari Kleist and Pauline Knudsen, collaboratively mapped the site and unearthed various artifacts between 2017 and 2019. The site features 18 tent rings on ancient ridges, likely used for shelters with central hearths and divided activity spaces. Radiocarbon dating of a seabird bone placed the site’s age between 4,000 to 4,400 years, coinciding with the emergence of the Paleo-Inuit culture in the High Arctic.
Around the same period, the formation of the Pikialosorsuaq or North Water polynya facilitated the development of a diverse ecosystem in Kitsissut. This unique environmental hotspot supported a thriving food chain, attracting seabirds, marine mammals, and early human inhabitants. Walls highlighted the ecological importance of the area and its relevance to modern conservation efforts, stressing the enduring relationship between Indigenous communities and Arctic ecosystems.
Lesley Howse, director of archeology at the Inuit Heritage Trust, underscored the significant role of water resources for survival in the Arctic, emphasizing the adaptability and resourcefulness of ancient Arctic peoples. The study’s findings illuminate the Paleo-Inuit’s proficiency in utilizing maritime resources, providing valuable insights into their sustainable practices in a challenging environment.