1,200 years of human occupation documented in Canada’s Arctic

11 Jul. () –

A recent study provides new insights into ancient cultures in the Canadian Arctic, focusing on the Paleo-Inuit and Thule-Inuit peoples over thousands of years.

Jules Blais, a biology professor at the University of Ottawa, and a team of researchers detected human presence and settlements on the remote Somerset Island in the Canadian Arctic Archipelago, by analyzing sediment samples.

The Arctic has been home to several cultures, including the Paleo-Inuit (2500 BC to 1250 AD) and the Thule-Inuit (1200 to 1500 AD). Although historical evidence is scarce, this recent study provides valuable insights into their presence.

The study discovered evidence of Paleo-Inuit presence on Somerset Island where it was missing. Innovative research methodologies revealed detailed information about past human history without traditional artifacts.

Professor Jules Blais states it’s a statement: “By analyzing sediment samples from the ponds, we were able to construct detailed histories of the site’s occupation. This includes clear evidence of Paleo-Inuit presence and indications that Thule Inuit arrived earlier than previously estimated.”

The research used archaeological evidence and sedimentary biomarkers to study prehistoric settlement on Somerset Island. Sediment cores from the island’s ponds were analysed for trace elements and organic compounds. The results showed that The Thule Inuit population increased between the 13th and 15th centuries. Researchers also detected high levels of metals such as lead, copper, zinc and nickel in the 20th century sediments, suggesting air pollution during that time.

Blais says: “We used generalized additive modeling (GAM) and radiocarbon dating techniques to identify key time points in the sediment record corresponding to the expected dates of Thule Inuit arrival and abandonment of the site. This approach allowed us to detect periods of significant change in sediment indicators, which provides a chronological framework for understanding the history of human occupation on the island.”

This research underlines the importance of interdisciplinary approaches in archaeology and highlights the importance of sedimentary archives for reconstructing past human activities and environmental conditions.

Blais explains the broader implications of the study. “Using sedimentary biomarkers and bone samples to uncover prehistoric habits demonstrates the power of interdisciplinary studies. Our discoveries not only improve our knowledge of Thule-Inuit and Paleo-Inuit communities in the Arctic, but also demonstrate the potential of new archaeological techniques.”

The study has been published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B.