The Dog Rib Rapids are located at the outflow of the Berens River from Berens Lake. Situated approximately 12 km east-southeast of Pikangikum First Nation, the rapids are in the headwaters region of the Berens River Watershed. Archaeological sites located on either side of the rapids have been the subject of recent cultural resource management projects. The development of an all-season road to service Pikangikum First Nation and improve winter road access to six other First Nation communities has recently received funding. Warming climatic conditions have facilitated the need for all-season road development linking these remote communities as the season for winter roads shortens. However, this development will significantly impact EkKk-6, a multi-component archaeological site located on the east side of the rapids. This site is a rare example of a large excavation within the boreal forest of northwestern Ontario, proving to be challenging both archaeologically and from a logistical standpoint. This presentation will provide a brief overview of the development and archaeological context, summarize the current archaeological work, highlighting community participation and an overview of the artifact assemblage being recovered, and to discuss future directions of consulting and research in the area.

In June 2020, the Naskapi Nation of Kawawachikamach initiated an archaeological project to support efforts to protect an important portion of Naskapi traditional territory: the lands and waters surrounding Waskaikinis (Fort McKenzie), including Mistisiipuw Nipiiy (Cambrien Lake) and Nachacapau Nipiiy (Nachicapau Lake). This vast region had seen limited archaeological work in the 1980s at Fort McKenzie. The authors completed a potential study in 2021, and three weeks of archaeological survey work in both 2021 and 2022, assisted by Kawawachikamach residents, Tshiueten Vachon and Kabimbetas Noah Mokoush. Community outreach and interviews with Elders also took place and are ongoing.

In all, 45 new archaeological sites were recorded. Historic and Modern sites, including locations with clusters of earthen tent rings, document life during the fur trade period. Precontact sites show use of local, high quality lithic materials, no doubt extracted from Labrador Trough sources. Ramah chert and Mistassini quartzite are also present. Of particular interest is the discovery of a large site on a terrace overlooking the Caniapiscau River. We recorded eight features-one of which is bilobed-delineated by fire-cracked rock. Over 30 ground stone celts were recovered on the site, pointing to a unique, and likely early, event.