Abstract

Unlike the written documents which support an Inuit presence in the Strait of Belle Isle from as early as the sixteenth century, the Inuit presence is archaeologicaly noticeable only at the end of the eighteenth century. After a review of the history of the Labrador Inuit/European contacts, we discuss the results of the archaeological research, which focused on sod houses located on both shores of the Strait. The evidence from two type sites is described in detail in order to highlight the degree of architectural and material cultural similarity that existed between Labrador Inuit and Europeans. The similarities observed between the two ethnic groups show how complex it is to tell them apart, because of acculturation which worked both ways. It appears that the Inuit were attracted by the increased European fishing activities in the area. Finally, this research reveals that the first European settlers of the Strait of Belle Isle were building sod houses very similar to what we know of the nineteenth century Labrador Inuit.