At the head of Cambrien Lake lies one of the most remarkable discoveries of the Naskapi Archaeology Project, an ancient workshop where Naskapi ancestors shaped and used stone axes thousands of years ago.
Across a high terrace overlooking the lake, the team found hundreds of pieces of stone that tell a story of careful and skilled work. There were flakes and rough outs, hammerstones, and finished celts, strong, polished tools used for woodworking. Each step of the process, from shaping the stone to smoothing the edges, took time, patience, and experience.
Most of the celts were made from local siltstone, gathered from the land nearby. This shows how well our ancestors knew the land and the materials it offered. The larger ends of the celts were worn and broken from long use, proof that they were not just made here, but used with purpose and strength.
In some places, oval pavements of fire-cracked rock mark where families may have lived and worked. Around these hearths, people made tools, cooked food, and shared stories. The site offers a rare glimpse into daily life long before any written history, a window into how Naskapi people lived with the land, not apart from it.
The archaeologists are now in Kawawachikamach, meeting with community members and Elders to share their work and listen to stories about these same lands. On Thursday, October 23, they will hold a public presentation where everyone is welcome to come see the artifacts from Cambrien Lake in person. These tools connect us to generations who shaped, built, and thrived right here on our land.