Field Trip to Aspen Island – August 2023

As we drifted up onto the beach shore, Laurie McLean (Archeologist), was waiting to greet us. After some small talk, Laurie began to tell us about the Beothuk history on Aspen Island and showed us the remnants of Beothuk firepits along the water eroded shoreline. We then proceeded inland to where the round impressions of the Beothuk mamateeks (Beothuk word for house) still existed. In the center of the larger mamateek impression was a raised area for the fire; where the Beothuk cooked meals and warmed themselves. There were approximately three or four areas that were used for shelter from the harsh Newfoundland elements (one, possibly used for food storage).

There was an incredible feeling while standing inside one of the larger round impressions, just knowing that this was exactly where these mysterious, hardy people once lived, loved and laughed; existing solely by living off the land and sea. We also saw animal bone fragments that may have been from early European Hunters, or possibly, from as long ago as when the Beothuk hunted in the area. Laurie and I discussed an area that was a much larger oval clearing that possibly may have been where the Beothuk had larger gatherings, outside of the mamateeks.