The AIA focused on archaeological sites and areas of potential (AOPs) around wetlands at ʔaq̓am that were identified during a 2022 Preliminary Field Reconnaissance. The AIA identified archaeological sites and provided management recommendations for the proposed wetland rehabilitation.
Throughout the spring and summer of 2024, with the help of KNC ʔaknusti, Nupqu completed surveys around wetlands, identified archaeological sites and provided a summary of the results and management recommendations. Nupqu archaeologists will complete the artifact analysis and final reporting for the project in 2025.
The assessment identified that kettle lakes and ponds have been activity areas for indigenous populations for several thousands of years. Testing identified archaeological sites surrounding elevated terrain, and in some instances extending down into the wetland, suggesting that the water levels in the kettle lakes and ponds have fluctuated throughout the Holocene, and the current drought conditions have been experienced before.
