slate falls: through memory and material
abstract
this research addresses the last 100 to 150 years of slate falls first nations’
history through the archaeological and ethnographic study of the old slate falls village.
the village site is located on north bamaji lake (ontario) in the headwaters of the
albany river. many of the former residents of old slate falls are still living and can
recollect their days spent in the old village, this allows the archaeological investigation
to be informed by the oral histories of former village residents. the project reported
herein assists the community members of slate falls to preserve and celebrate their
history in this location. it is through knowing one’s past, connections to the land,
understanding space and place, and the ability to trace history and lineage, that selfdetermination can be asserted. archaeological documentation of the cabins and
structures in old slate falls offers an overview of the transformation of construction
techniques, village layout, and material culture over time in response to rapid changes
defining the 20th century. this data offers supplemental information which will be
compared to insights deriving from interviews and reminiscences about life within the
village through living memory.