Introduction: Archaeology at Port au Choix

Abstract

Port au Choix, northwestern Newfoundland, is one of the richest archaeological areas in northeastern North America. Comprised of two linked peninsulas that project out into the ocean where the Strait of Belle Isle widens into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, Port au Choix is at the terminus of a deep marine channel that creates ocean upwelling and high biological productivity (Fig. 1.1). The area is today known for its rich fishery and the large herds of migratory harp seals that appear close to shore at the edge of the late winter ice. Because of its active fishing industry and strategic position mid-way along the west coast of the Northern Peninsula, Port au Choix is an economic growth centre within the region. Port au Choix was also an important place in precontact times and the present volume is about that lengthy and complex occupation.KeywordsRadiocarbon DateFaunal AssemblageHarp SealBurial GroundArchaeological SurveyThese keywords were added by machine and not by the authors. This process is experimental and the keywords may be updated as the learning algorithm improves.