Foundation of tent frame at possible 1940's exploration camp.

Gold exploration prompted archaeological investigations in the vicinity of Courageous Lake on behalf of Seabridge Gold.   Jean Bussey and Gabriella Prager of Points West Heritage Consulting Ltd conducted these investigations.   Noel Doctor of the Yellowknives Dene First Nation provided assistance during the field reconnaissance. The fieldwork involved intensive helicopter reconnaissance to provide an overview assessment of archaeological potential as well as detailed ground examination of selected areas. Three historic/traditional sites were discovered during aerial reconnaissance and were recorded and 11 sites were found during ground reconnaissance, for a total of 14 new sites.   The selected intensive survey areas were three locations in which more exploration and/or development might occur, as identified by EBA Engineering Consultants Ltd., the prime consultant for this multi-disciplinary environmental study.   Archaeological investigations were conducted under a Class 2 NWT Archaeologists Permit.   There are no previously recorded archaeological sites in the vicinity of this study area.

Two graves, each surrounded by a white picket fence, the site of a possible tent camp likely used during an early phase of mineral exploration and a traditional cabin/camp were recorded north of Courageous Lake in areas for which no specific development has been identified.   One site is located on an esker, one is on the shore of Courageous Lake and the third is situated on a bedrock bench inland from the lake.

Examination of surface artifacts at a large lithic scatter near Matthews Lake.

Each of the three areas in which more exploration activity might occur yielded archaeological resources.   The more northerly survey area, north of Matthews Lake and south of Courageous Lake, yielded six prehistoric archaeological sites.   Four are associated with esker deposits, one is on a bedrock ridge and the sixth appears to be on an old lake terrace/beach.   All six contained varying quantities of primarily quartz flakes, most of them unworked; all unworked flakes were left in site.   Three sites contained formed tools or fragments, which were collected because of the proximity of a recreational camp.   The second survey area was located east of Matthews Lake and the abandoned Salmita mine.   Two archaeological sites were recorded, one a windbreak likely relating to early mineral exploration and the other an isolated find (collected) consisting of a white chert artifact suggestive of the Arctic Small Tool tradition.   Both sites are located on inland areas typified by scattered bedrock outcrops.   The third survey area is south of Matthews Lake and yielded three prehistoric sites, all on elevated bedrock outcrops.   One is an isolated find consisting of a formed biface fragment (collected) and the other two are lithic workshops/dense lithic scatters, with no visible formed tools.

The archaeological investigations conducted in 2003 suggest that the Courageous Lake Property is an important area archaeologically.   Only a small portion of this area has been examined in any detail. If further exploration or development activities are proposed then additional archaeological research will be required. The historic Tundra Mine is located at the south end of Matthews Lake and was briefly examined in 2003.   The buildings are deteriorating as a result of weather, time and vandalism.