This past weekend I recently had an enlightening discussion with one who is a member,I believe, about the exploration of historic sites identified on Jefferey's excellent map of the Park. The member indicated a future plan to explore a site noted on the map,for native artifacts. I interpreted that it was his intention that he might collect what he found, and thus a long conversation began.
This member did not seem to be aware that disturbance of a historic or archaeological site or collection of artifacts thereon, or anywhere in the Park, is strictly against the Ontario Heritage Act and the Parks Act (or its successor) unless one has a Ministry of Culture archaeological license and permission to conduct such research from Ontario Parks. Any artifacts collected are held in trust for the people of Ontario by the Park and are turned over to the Park by the archaeologist. To his credit, the member accepted that information in a positive way.
In my historical and archaeological research in the Park I have become aware that, unfortunately, many sites have been modified in the past. Long ago I remember seeing all sorts of stuff at a youth camp that had been collected from sites in the Park on their canoe trips. On one hand, I have concern that Jefferey's Algonquin map shows such sites. On the other hand, seeing such evidence of past activity in the Park often leads to an appreciation of history. I am certainly not against the idea of canoeists and others exploring their surroundings. I have recently contacted Jefferey about including on his map some kind of message about preserving heritage sites, and any artifacts thereon, for others to enjoy.
So what do you do if you find something really important? That is a good question. Although the Algonquin Park Ontario Parks staff are responsible for both natural and cultural aspects of the Park, Algonquin Park (bigger than PEI) has no staff archaeologist or historian. (Indeed, there in no such position in all of Ontario Parks, anywhere in the province.) However, if an object is of such importance that you think it should be collected, it is probably best to draw a close up map of the actual location (because your GPS co-ordinates will only get you close), take a GPS co-ordinate, and inform the Park Superintendent and the Park Naturalist at the Visitor Centre. Legally you must leave it where you found it.
If there are questions about this, or suggestions, or disagreement, I welcome your comments.
Rory MacKay
author of a number of books and booklets on Algonquin Park history
and Applied Research Archaeologist
