News

Unveiling of the Archeological Discoveries at the Mouth of the Mitis River

2014-07-29

Archeologist Dominique Lalande from Ruralys will unveil the results of the most result archeological digs at the mouth of the Mitis River at a free lecture to be presented in the Blue Poppy Café at Les Jardins de Métis / Reford Gardens on Sunday, August 10 at 3 pm. Members of her team of archeologists from the Université du Québec à Rimouski found the vestiges of early occupations of the site. The findings will be presented as part of an illustrated lecture Des Amérindiens parmi nous : la pointe de la rivière Mitis se dévoile. The lecture is part of Archeology Month organized by Archéo-Québec. The complete program is on view at www.archeoquebec.com.

Dominique Lalande has supervised the work at the mouth of the Mitis River since 2012 and the digs conducted in 2013 and 2014. She will present the results of her research and the indications of prehistoric Amerindian occupation of the site thousands of years ago. Her team has also found the remains of the port and industrial facilities of the forestry companies from the early 19th and 20th centuries. The findings prove how significant the site was as a meeting and transit point for the Amerindian peoples over several millenia. They also provide evidence of a history of shoreline erosion.
   Photo : Marie-Claude Hamel

An integral part of Les Jardins de Métis, the mouth of the Mitis River is part of the area designated by the government of Québec in 2013. This is just one of the reasons why the organization has committed funds and resources to document the site and to initiate efforts for its preservation and development. The inventory and the two digs were supported by grants from the Fonds du patrimoine du Ministère de la culture et des communications.

Simulation of archeological digs
As part of the Hydro-Québec family days, on Saturday August 9 and Sunday August 10 (beginning at 1.30 pm in the afternoon), families are invited to participate in simulations of archeological digs and learn about the basics of archeology. This activity is the fruit of a collaboration with the Université du Québec à Rimouski and the PatER project. Hydro-Québec family days are held every week until August 17, on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 1.30 pm 3.30 pm. The activity is free for children. Children 13 and under are admitted to the gardens free of charge.

Les Jardins de Métis are open every day until September 28. For more information, consult our web sitewww.refordgardens.com or call 418 775-2222, ext 221.