La mémoire d’un territoire : projet d’archéologie publique de camps forestiers du XXe siècle au Témiscouata, Québec
This study explores 20th century lumber camps through a public archaeology project in Témiscouata, Québec. Using archaeological, historical and oral sources, this research examines the material and structural conditions shaping lumberjacks’ lives. Two lumber camp sites of the 1940s located at Lake-Témiscouata national Park were examined archaeologically. The sites revealed an industrialized and homogenous artifact assemblage generally selected by the lumber company. Despite the controlled material world of the industrial frontier, it is possible to shed light on individual workers’ behaviour and consumption habits. Material culture analysis shows that workers used a variety of strategies to navigate their corporate environment and maintain a certain form of control over their lives, such as the consumption of alcohol and patent medicine. Today, how can we translate the material past of lumberjacks’ daily lives for present communities? Residents of Témiscouata maintain a strong historical connection and identity towards the lumber industry, and so public archaeology offers a compelling approach to conduct a more inclusive and relevant research for the local community. This study explores the role archaeology plays in the revitalization of memory surrounding lumber camps, while addressing how communities can contribute to the documentation of their past. We used numerous participative strategies such as a public excavation activity, an interactive public workshop and interviews with the elders who worked in the former lumber camps. An analytical framework enabled the categorization of participants’ comments generated during these activities. This analysis brings greater understanding to the nature of the community's contribution to research. Drawing on the mnemonic quality of material remains, this study shows that public archaeology can act as a “memory trigger” to encourage the sharing of local knowledge and personal stories.
Témiscouata Québec public archaeology lumber camps industrial frontier memory lumber history community