Dry Stone Walling Across Canada

This September we attended Roctoberfest in Rockport, Ontario: an annual walling festival with people participating from across North America and beyond.

Several unique features were built (arches, walls, fireplace and a bridge).

We took a certification test and now offer these services to our customers.

Port Au Choix -National Historic Site

  

We built two stone features commissioned by Parks Canada Agency at the Port au Choix National Historic Site.

The Dorset Doorway at Point Riche serves as a gateway for interpretive walks through the fields of an old Dorset settlement. The structure is reminiscent of the traditional style dwelling: a depression lined with stone and covered by a canopy of seal skin and whale bones. Larger stones mark the entrance which leads to a central soapstone fire box.

The metal whale bone sculptures were designed and constructed by a Newfoundland artist.
------------------

The Gathering Circle is in memory of the Maritime Archaic Indians who rest nearby. The site is the oldest known burial ground in Newfoundland (between 4400 and 3300 years B.P.).

The Gathering Circle is reminiscent of healing circles used in modern aboriginal traditions. Maritime Archaic peoples marked graves with three small stones. This is loosely reflected in the large boulders marking the entrance to the circle. White stones were used to symbolize spirit as they round the circle - rebirth, life, death. The top of the circle is waved to mirror the ocean that provided the people with sustenance. Other white stones within are the ocean's whitecaps.

Embedded in the center of the circle is a paved area shaped as a burial spearhead found in some of the graves.

Nearby are three large slabs supported by large boulders and mounted with interpretative plaques. The squarish slabs reflect western-style grave stones and their weight is equally balanced by the three boulders which reflect the Maritime Archaic burial tradition.

Maritime Archaic Indians left their marks which archaeologists use to interpret their way of life. Similarly, the mason left tool marks visible on the stones and invite visitors to appreciate these archaeological techniques.

The Gathering Circle provides a place to contemplate the intersection of the two cultures.