Abstract

Results of preliminary archaeological and paleoecological investigations in the Juan Perez Sound area of Haida Gwaii on the Northwest Coast are presented. These include reconnaissance at several Early Period intertidal lithic sites as well as archaeological excavations and paleoecological analysis of two sites on Arrow Creek, Matheson Inlet. Results show that the sites were occupied during a time of rapid sea-level change. The oldest archaeological remains date to shortly before 9,200 RCYBP and the youngest to 5,650 RCYBP. The discovery of well-preserved archaeological deposits in a setting that has been subject to marine transgression and regression offers promise for the eventual discovery of earlier archaeological sites at much lower sea-levels and a better understanding of early human occupation of the Northwest Coast.