Throughout 2016, archival research was carried out into the Langue de Terre trading post, a little-known yet long-lived trading post in the Timiskaming region. This post operated alongside Fort Timiskaming during the 18th and 19th centuries. OCARE’s research suggests it was established by the French as early as the 1720s. Based on previous archaeological work on the Montreal River by Dr. John Pollock, a probable site was identified.

 

Two members of the public accompanied OCARE during the archaeological fieldwork in 2017, leading to the recovery of a significant number of middle- and late-18th century artifacts. Combining the available historical records and local Indigenous knowledge of the area with the results of OCARE’s archaeological work, there is strong evidence that the site is the location of the Langue de Terre/Soweawaminica trading post. The results of the fieldwork were presented to local interest groups (each numbering 10-20 individuals) such as the Association de canot-camping du lac Témiscamingue, the City of Temiskaming Shore’s Age-Friendly program, and students at O’Gorman High School in Timmins.