NWT RESEARCH DATABASE

Regions: Inuvialuit Settlement Region

Tags: fossils, paleontology, 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. 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.

Project Description: This licence has been issued for the scientific research application No. 5973. Through this field project, there are two main 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. For 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. Our proposed expedition will dramatically increase the scope and impact of research on this exceptional fossil assemblage. The proposed expedition aims to extract a large-scale collection of fossils (up to half a tonne) from the Anderson River locality in the vicinity of the main camp (68°9.988N -125°46.680W). The shales and sandstone layers are exposed along the riverbank (see attached, the locality map). The site will be accessed on foot and hand tools (geo hammers, chisels, shovels) and a masonry saw (5 inch blade) will be used 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 secured 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 Inuvialuit communities and build a lasting relationship on mutual trust. The team have reached out to the Paulatuk Hunters and Trappers Committee and the Paulatuk Community Corporation. Permission to proceed with our work was obtained from the Paulatuk community and there is a plan to recruit a wildlife monitor from their community. Their consultation as it relates to the indigenous land usage will be respected throughout this project. Following the fieldwork, the team will continue our conversation with Inuvialuit communities. Reaching out to them is planned through school visits, townhalls, and public events including a mini traveling exhibit that showcases results of the expedition. The team will also donate 3D-printed casts of the fossils to schools. Through these activities, it is hoped to inspire and support aspiring Indigenous paleontologists to lead the future effort to collect and study fossils in their own traditional land. Finally, the team will seek input and advice from the Inuvialuit communities and acknowledge the contribution of these communities as findings are published and disseminated. The fieldwork for this study will be conducted from: July 18 - August 31, 2024