Prehistoric human occupation and ecology in the Sandilands Forest Reserve, southeastern Manitoba

Abstract

The survey of the Sandilands Provincial Forest was initiated for a number of reasons: first of all, the area was unknown archaeologically (although a number of other sites elsewhere in southeastern Manitoba have undergone excavation). Secondly, a characteristic of this region is the presence of numerous Lake Agassiz strandlines, which the present author feels are important features in a study of Paleo-Indian settlement patterns. Also, because of previous experience in areas to the south of the Sandilands, the writer wished to continue to study the distribution of prehistoric sites in a systematic manner, and in an area noted for a diverse floral and faunal assemblage. The aim of the survey was to locate prehistoric sites and to analyze their location with respect to various environments of the region. Special attention was accorded their density and distribution with respect to both physiographic province, and resource distribution and availability. Specific patterns are evident in site location, and trends are noted in the region's geologic history, vegetational development, and resource availability. This thesis will present a hypothesis concerning specific correlations and interrelationships betwween site distribution and the ecological characteristics of the region...