NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: physical sciences, fossils, biological evolution, evolution, ancient fish

Objective(s): To fill in a major gap in, and transform knowledge of early vertebrate evolution through the analysis of new fossils from the Anderson River locality, which represent a poorly known interval of the geological time; and, To establish a line of public dialogue with peoples of the Northwest Territories by sharing the story about ancient life forms and the evolutionary heritage of fish ancestors, and by learning their story about the ancestral land.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 5549. Through this field project, the hope is to accomplish two goals: 1) to fill in a major gap in, and transform knowledge of early vertebrate evolution through the analysis of new fossils from the Anderson River locality, which represent a poorly known interval of the geological time; and 2) to establish a line of public dialogue with peoples of the Northwest Territories by sharing our story about ancient life forms and the evolutionary heritage of our fish ancestors, and by learning their story about the ancestral land. For the goal (1), the existing collections from the Anderson River locality are already enough to place it among top five in a small number of fossil localities from this interval. The proposed expedition will dramatically increase the scope and impact of research on this exceptional fossil assemblage. For the goal (20), the unparalleled natural heritage of the Anderson River locality will provide a rich context and a profound inspiration to the indigenous knowledge of the land and will also contribute to the promotion of Arctic research in general. In this proposed expedition, the aim is to extract large-scale collection of fossils (up to half a tone) from the Anderson River locality. Camp will be set up at 68°11'06"N 125°49'72"W. The shales and sandstone layers are exposed along the river bank (see attached, the locality map). The site will be accessed on foot and use of hand tools (geo hammers, chisels, shovels) and a masonry saw (5 inch blade) to remove slabs systematically. Collected specimens will be repaired and prepared (if necessary) using glue and hand tools, then preserved in a wrap of paper towels and gypsona and secure in plastic containers for transport. Collected specimens will be prepared at the Canadian Museum of Nature and accessioned in the national fossil collections there, open to the discussion of future repatriation to the Northwest Territories. The team members will all have their basic first aid certification. In addition to this at least two members of the team will also have their wilderness first aid certification. Two members have a valid PAL license. The Canadian Museum of Nature has standard field work insurance. The work at the Anderson River locality takes place on the traditional unceded territory of Inuvialuit people. Therefore, it is of paramount importance to work with the Inuvialuit communities and build a lasting relationship on mutual trust. The Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee and the Paulatuk Community Corporation have been contacted. The work was discussed and permission to proceed was obtained. The plan is to recruit the wildlife monitor from the communities. Indigenous land usage will be respected throughout this project. The hope is to also acquire the Indigenous knowledge through these interactions. Following the fieldwork, conversation will be continued with the Inuvialuit communities. The communication plan includes reaching out through school visits, townhalls, and public events including a mini traveling exhibit that showcases results of the expedition. The 3D-printed casts of the fossils will be donated to schools. Through these activities, the hope is to inspire and support aspiring Indigenous paleontologists to lead the future effort to collect and study fossils in their own traditional land. Finally, input and advice will be sought from the Inuvialuit communities as findings are published and disseminated. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: July 16 - August 06, 2023