Designation Process for Territorial Historic Sites

Designation Process for Territorial Historic Sites

May 2004 Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

Cover Photo Credits: T.Andrews/GNWT I.Kritsch/GSCI T.Andrews/GNWT R.Fumoleau/NWT Archives

The Government of the Northwest Territories gratefully acknowledges the contribution of the Government of Canada towards the production of this document.

Designation Process for Territorial Historic Sites

May 2004 Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre

Yellowknife, Northwest Territories

2

Table of Contents Introduction…………………………………………………………………………3 What is a territorial historic site?…………………………………………………...4 Steps of the NWT historic site designation process………………………………...6 Nominating a site for designation…………………………………………………..7 Nomination form for territorial historic sites……………………………………….9 Pre-assessment……………………………………………………………………...18 Inventory listing of the site…………………………………………………………19 NWT inventory form for historic places……………………………………………21 Assessing a site for designation……………………………………………………..31 Format for assessment reports of territorial historic sites………………………...…37 Evaluating a site for designation…………………………………………………….42 Guide to applying evaluation criteria………………………………………………..43 Evaluation form for the designation of territorial historic sites……………………..45 Statement of significance……………………………………………………………49 Examples of statements of significance……………………………………………..53 Public review of designation recommendation………………………………………57 Recommendation to the Commissioner……………………………………………...61 Legislation……………………………………………………………………………62 Posting of territorial historic sites……………………………………………………63 De-listing a territorial historic site…………………………………………………...65

3

Introduction This manual outlines the process for commemoration of Territorial historic sites under Section 2 of the Historical Resources Act (R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c.H-3):

Territorial historic sites are those historic places or lands determined by the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories to be of pre- or post-contact historic significance to the Territories.

The Director of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre is responsible for administration of the NWT’s Cultural Places Program. This program addresses historic places of significance to the people of the NWT in general. Sites of local rather than territorial significance are recognized under different community heritage programs. The launch of the nation-wide Historic Places Initiative has prompted the Government of the Northwest Territories to create this designation process. The initiative has created a register of formally designated historic places, called the Canadian Register of Historic Places. All historic places formally designated by federal, provincial, territorial or municipal governments in Canada can be listed on the register. The Government of the Northwest Territories has developed this designation process to encourage the inclusion of NWT cultural places on the Canadian Register. The territorial government has had the authority to designate territorial historic sites since the creation of the Historical Resources Act in 1970. However, this is the first time the government has created a formal nomination, evaluation and designation process for these sites. This process tries to designate territorial historic sites in a methodical, transparent and fair way. It also aims to document the heritage of these places for all present and future generations to remember, celebrate, and enjoy.

4

What is a territorial historic site? Historic sites are places that hold special links to our past. They are places where things have happened; places where people have lived and died; places where people have traveled, worked, met and celebrated together; places where people with medicine power had an influence on the land. Designation is a process that identifies and honours historic sites as places important to our people and our culture. Governments designate historic sites on behalf of the people they represent. In the NWT, historic sites can be designated by the government of the Northwest Territories, and also by local governments such as Charter communities, hamlets, villages, cities as well as Settlements, Settlement Corporations, and First Nations Designated Authorities. When a local government designates it, a historic site represents the heritage of a community as the community itself understands and wishes to recognize its past. A territorial historic site is a place that has been honoured because it holds a special link to the past of the NWT. It reflects a phenomenon, a pathway, a person, event or theme that is representative of, or experienced in common by, or of importance to the story of one or more of the following:

• all peoples of the NWT, • one of the NWT’s composite populations (as a balanced grouping of each), • one population group spread over more than one geographic region or locality, • two or more communities, • two or more population groups, • the NWT in a wider world, • the NWT as a northern identity, • the NWT as a Canadian identity, • NWT government, its history, administration and accommodation.

Territorial historic sites must also:

• have value in at least one of the following categories: human associations, composition, or geographic/environmental setting.

• be 50 years of age or older. In exceptional circumstances this may be reviewed. • be in its original location. In exceptional circumstances this may be reviewed. • have retained its historic fabric. In exceptional circumstances this may be reviewed. • have owner consent. In exceptional circumstances this may be reviewed.

A territorial historic site can be located anywhere within the Northwest Territories, regardless of whether that area is administered by another level of government. The Government of the Northwest Territories is primarily responsible for the commemoration of its own property. However, in cases where territorial property lies within municipal boundaries, and is of

5

significance to the local community, local government may also commemorate the property. Sites outside of municipal jurisdictions can only be commemorated by the Government of the Northwest Territories or the Government of Canada. Territorial historic site designation is commemorative only. Designating a historic site under the NWT Historical Resources Act does not add any legal protection to the site. However, in exceptional circumstances, the Commissioner of the Northwest Territories may order a site to be investigated, recorded or salvaged, if s/he feels it could be destroyed by human activity. A single historic site can be honoured by designation under more than one process (i.e. local, territorial, federal) because it can have different levels of meaning to different groups of people. When more than one government has designated a site, its “heritage value” is defined differently (and independently) by each government concerned. The owner of a property at the time of designation must approve the site’s designation as a Territorial historic site.

6

Steps of the NWT designation process

1 Research 2 Nomination

3 Pre-assessment 4 Inventory Listing

5 Assessment 6 Evaluation

7 Statement of Significance

8 Public Review

9 Recommendation

10 Legislation

11 Posting Designations

12 De-listing

7

Nominating a site for designation Who can propose a site become a territorial historic site? Any interested citizen, band, municipality, or organization can request that a site they consider to have significance be evaluated for possible designation as a Territorial historic site. What has to be done before nominating a territorial historic site? Before a place is nominated to be a Territorial historic site, there must be information recorded about the place. Research could include things like: a thorough search of existing historical documents, artefacts and photos; interviewing people with a lot of information about the place; recording stories associated with the place; mapping the place and how people perceive and use it; surveying community members, tourists, businesses and other people who use or value the place and asking them why the place is important to them; meetings and discussion groups addressing the values of the place; field or on-site research; archaeological and ethnographic studies; and consulting experts in relevant fields, such as archaeologists, architects, cultural resource officers, human geographers, and other heritage professionals. The information you collect will help you complete the nomination form. It will also serve as a basis for evaluating whether or not the place should become a territorial historic site. The more thorough your research is, the more balanced and informed the evaluators’ decision will be. There are other benefits to thoroughly researching a heritage place. The documentation from your research will preserve its values and history for future generations to read. Thorough documentation can also help people decide how to best manage and maintain a historic place, so as to preserve it and its value for generations to come. How to nominate In order to nominate a territorial historic site, you must submit a nomination form to Cultural Places Officer at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. You can get a copy of the form any of the following ways: by mail a letter should be sent to Cultural Places Officer

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Box 1320 Yellowknife, NT XIA 2L9

by fax a letter can be faxed to Cultural Places Officer

Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre 867-873-0205

8

by e-mail a request can be sent to [email protected] on-line download the application at www.pwnhc.ca/programs/nwthpp.html If you would like to send us any of the required information in another way, such as audiotape, video, or an alternative written form please let us know. What information is required in the nomination form? The nomination form is divided into mandatory and optional sections. You must complete the mandatory section. We also welcome any additional information you can provide in the optional section. The kind of information required in the mandatory section includes

1) a photograph (or several photos that show the site from different angles) 2) a map locating the site (and clearly showing its boundaries) 3) a description of what it is 4) a statement of why you think it is important to the people of the NWT 5) your own name and contact information 6) the name and contact information of anyone who knows more about the site 7) the names of any books, articles, tapes, or videos that talk about the site, or information about the history and / or relationships of the site that

would help to explain its importance.

9

Nomination Form for Territorial Historic Sites If you have any questions about this form, or the territorial historic site designation process, please contact the Cultural Places Officer at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre: (867) 873-7368; [email protected]. If there is not enough space provided to answer a question, please write on the back of the page, or attach any extra information you may have.

MANDATORY INFORMATION What is the name of the site are you nominating? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Why are you nominating this site? Why is it important to the Northwest Territories? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Does the site have a story? If so, what is it? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

10

A Name of the Site Enter at least one name for this site. If you know more than one name, please put it next to the type of name that best describes it below.

Type of Name Name Information on use of name

Present name(s)

Traditional name(s)

Original name

Other historic names(s)

Official name

Other names

Please include any information about the name i.e. what language it is in, the period when it was used…

B Geographical Location of the Site. Where is the site? Please describe its location in as clearly as you can. (Draw a map, use words, or attach a map)

11

Other types of information will also help to locate the site. If you can identify it using any of the geographic description tools below, please do so.

Street address

Legal address

Latitude / Longitude Latitude is _________ Longitude is _________ Datum is _______

Other method

Add any other information that would help us to find the site

C Description of the Site Please clearly describe what the site looks like. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Add further information to describe parts of the site (if appropriate). ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ What parts of the site must be preserved for it to keep its heritage value? For example, particular features of a building, views and vistas, space configurations, how the site is used, materials the site is made of, stories that go with the site… ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

12

Please estimate (roughly) the size of the site __________________________________________ Please attach photos of the site if you can.

How many photos have you included? _________________________________________ When were they taken? (rough date) _________________________________________ Who took them? __________________________________________________________

Which of the following best describes the type of historic place you are nominating?

(Choose one or more)

a a ruin (archaeological remnant) ........................................................... ______ b a sacred site ........................................................................................ ______ c a burial or grave site ............................................................................. ______ d a trail, river route, road route or pathway ............................................. ______ e a site traditionally used for a specific purpose or activity........................ ______ f a cultural landscape ............................................................................. ______ g a special place the natural landscape (intangible).................................... ______ h a special feature in the natural landscape (tangible)................................. ______ i a man-made feature in the natural landscape ......................................... ______ j a landscape that is part natural, part man-made ...................................... ______ k a building .............................................................................................. ______ l a building and its property ..................................................................... ______ m a structure (that is not a building) .......................................................... ______ n a complex of buildings & structures (one property) ............................... ______ o a streetscape ......................................................................................... ______ p a historic district (streets and properties with buildings or structures)..... ______ q a man-made landscape that includes many features ................................ ______ r a place where early land occupation patterns can still be seen ................ ______ s another type of place (describe)

________________________________________ D Use and Condition of the Site How is this site used today? ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ Is this site currently under threat? If so, please describe the threat. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

13

How would you describe the present condition of this place?

Condition Yes/No Comments

healthy

whole

good

okay

poor

overgrown

falling apart

being destroyed Who currently owns the site?_______________________________________________________ Are they aware and supportive of this nomination?______________________________________ If available, please attach a letter from the owner(s) indicating their support of this nomination. If not currently available, please submit one separately, using the file number Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre provides when it responds to the nomination. Thank you for completing this nomination form. Please tell us who you are, and where we can reach you.

name

organization (if any)

mailing address

telephone

fax

e-mail

other This nomination form can be submitted

by mail Cultural Places Officer Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre Box 1320 Yellowknife, NT XIA 2L9

by fax Cultural Places Officer Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre 867-873-0205

by e-mail [email protected]

14

on-line It is also available to be downloaded on-line at

www.pwnhc.ca/programs/nwthpp.html Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre staff will be in touch with you to confirm they have received it. A file number for further correspondence about the historic place will be attached to the reply. Please take a look at the following pages before you complete your nomination.

15

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION Answers to the following questions are not required to nominate a Territorial historic site. However, it will help us to process your nomination more quickly if you can provide any of the following information. 1) Do you have a personal attachment to this site? If so, please tell us about it. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 2) Can you provide information to precisely identify the boundaries of the site?

3) Has this site already been recognized as a historic place by another government or agency? If so, by whom and as what type of site? ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ ________________________________________________________________________ 4) Is this site presently occupied by someone who is not the owner? Please name (if known). ________________________________________________________________________ Does the present occupant know the site has been nominated as a Territorial historic site? __________ (yes / no / uncertain) 5) Has this site been maintained over the years by someone (who is not the owner or occupant)? Please name person and contact information (if known). ________________________________________________________________________ Does this caretaker know the site has been nominated as a Territorial historic site? __________ (yes / no / uncertain)

6) Do you know of a person, group or organization that has stories, papers or historic photographs of the site? If so, please tell us who they are, and how we can contact them. ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________ ______________________________________________________________________________

16

______________________________________________________________________________ 7) Do you know where we can obtain additional information about the site? (Please list the names of any books, articles, tapes, videos, or similar materials.) ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 8) Have parts of this historic place been removed and relocated elsewhere. If so, what parts are they and how can we find them? ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 9) Is this historic place a building or structure that has been moved to its present location from an earlier site? If so, please tell us what you know about when it was moved and where it came from. ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ ___________________________________________________________________________ 10) Does your community support designation of this site? __________ (yes / no / uncertain) If available, please attach letters of community support to this nomination. If such letters are not currently available, please submit them separately, using the file number Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre provides when it responds to the nomination.

17

Follow-Up 1) staff at Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre should reply to the person making the nomination to

confirm that the nomination has been received, 2) the reply should contain a file number that can be used for further correspondence about the site. 3) a list of nominated sites should be posted on the PWNHC web site inviting other individuals and

communities to declare an interest in, information about, or support for the designation of the site. 4) If data is missing from the application, steps should be taken to complete it at this time. 5) the site nominated should be forwarded to the next stage of the process, Assessment, for attention.

18

Pre-assessment Before listing a nomination in the NWT Inventory of Historic Places, the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre checks to make sure the nominated site meets the eligibility criteria. To be eligible for consideration as a territorial historic site, a nomination must reflect a phenomenon, a pathway, a person, event or theme that is representative of, or experienced in common by, or of importance to the story of one or more of the following:

• all peoples of the NWT, • one of the Territory’s composite populations (as a balanced grouping of each), • one population group spread over more than one geographic region or locality, • two or more communities, • two or more population groups, • the NWT in a wider world, • the NWT as a northern identity, • the NWT as a Canadian identity, • NWT government, its history, administration and accommodation.

Territorial historic sites must also:

• have value in at least one of the following categories: human associations, composition, or geographic/environmental setting.

• be 50 years of age or older. In exceptional circumstances this may be reviewed. • be in its original location. In exceptional circumstances this may be reviewed. • have retained its historic fabric. In exceptional circumstances this may be reviewed. • must have owner consent. In exceptional circumstances this may be reviewed.

Sites that meet these criteria will be listed in the NWT Inventory of Historic Sites.

19

Inventory listing of the site The NWT Heritage Inventory is a listing of sites of potential and designated historic sites within the NWT. It lists all the sites nominated and eligible to be designated as territorial historic sites. It also includes sites that have been officially designated by the Government of the Northwest Territories (territorial historic sites, and territorial heritage parks), or municipal governments (municipal heritage sites). Inventory forms contain a broad number of questions with a shallow level of content, allowing entries to be retrieved according to many criteria. The NWT Heritage Inventory is computerized. Entries can be made at any time Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre staff deems appropriated, but certainly in the case of sites nominated for commemoration as NWT Historic Sites, and in the case of completed entry forms submitted by other agencies with commemoration capability within the NWT. Purposes of an inventory The purposes of an inventory are to provide 1) a master list of sites with possible heritage sites, 2) a master document for each site within the list, no matter what its level or type of

commemoration. This provides a single reference point to which all documentation on a single site can be attached, no matter what its commemoration status.

3) a means of locating sites with similar characteristics. Computerized listing permits sites with similar features to be identified and retrieved. This is useful for a number or purposes, among them the identification of sites in a particular geographic area for resolving land use conflicts, and the identification of comparative sites for purposes of heritage assessment.

Inventory contents It is the objective of Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre to include all historic places designated within the NWT in the NWT Heritage Inventory, no matter what agency is responsible for the designation. While it is not compulsory for other agencies with designating authority to enter their sites on the NWT Heritage Inventory, the Government of the Northwest Territories hopes they will. In addition, the inventory will also list places with historic interest that have not been commemorated when sufficient information is known to adequately complete NWT Heritage Inventory forms. Categories of inventory information The NWT Heritage Inventory Form has been designed to address heritage issues specific to the NWT as well as to meet national documentation standards as part of the nation-wide Historic Places Initiative. Access to inventory contents Information on designated Territorial historic sites will be accessible to the public through the

20

Canadian Register of Historic Places. This register is available on-line at www.crhp-rclp.ca Information on sites that have not been officially designated will not be readily available to the public.

21

NWT Inventory Form for Historic Places ______________________________________________________________________________ NAME / IDENTIFICATION CGNDBID: Borden #: Alternate ID: Common Name: Official Name: Aboriginal Name: Other Name: Comments:

22

LOCATION NTS Map sheet: GNWT Administrative Region: North Slave South Slave Inuvik Sahtu Deh Cho Land Claim Settlement Region(s): Gwich’in Settlement Area Inuvialuit Settlement Region Sahtu Settlement Area Tlicho Legal Address: Street Address: Latitude (6+ decimal places): Longitude (6+ decimal places): UTM Zone: UTMN (nearest metre): UTME (nearest metre): Datum type: NAD27 or NAD83 or WGS84 Coordinate determination method: Paper Maps Digital Maps Geocoding Secondary Source GPS Location Description: Comments:

23

CURRENT INFORMATION Area (m²): Description of boundaries: Condition: Site Integrity: Current use: Current Functional Category (see CRHP): Current Functional Type (see CRHP): Contributing Resource Type & Count:

Building Structure Remains Landscape

Contact Info: Comments:

24

OWNERSHIP Original Owner: Current Owner Type: Private Federal Territorial Local Not For Profit Other Current Owner: Current Owner Address: Owner Response Type: Consent Object Not Applicable Comments:

25

HISTORICAL INFORMATION Original Site: Yes No Original Address: Significant dates: From To Significance From To Significance From To Significance From To Significance From To Significance From To Significance Construction Date Range: From To Date of Origin: From To Associated E/P/O/A/B: Event Person Organization Architect Builder Archaeological Collection: Archaeological Culture: Culture (Present Day): Theme Category (see CRHP): Theme Type (see CRHP): Original Functional Category (see CRHP): Original Functional Type (see CRHP): Past Use: Narrative: Comments:

26

RECOGNITION Nominating Body: Formal Recognition Authority: Community of ______ Council GNWT Statute: By-Law No._____ Historical Resources Act Territorial Parks Act Formal Recognition Type: Municipal Historic Site Territorial historic site Territorial Heritage Park NWT Cultural Conservation Area Formal Recognition Date: Status: Approved Pending Rejected Not Applicable

27

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE Description of Historic Place: Heritage Value: Character-Defining Elements: Documentation Location:

28

DOCUMENTATION Reports: Books: Articles: Collections: Databases: Traditional Knowledge: Web Links: Maps: Plans & Drawings: Comments:

29

IMAGES Image: Image Description: Image Caption: Copyright: Image Type: Exterior Photo Historic Photo Drawing Map Plan

Aboriginal Name Moving Image Other Comments:

30

Inventory Follow-Up 1) Information on inventory entries should be kept up to date at all times. 2) It may be useful to prepare a guidebook for completing the inventory form once a

computerized inventory is in place.

31

Assessing a site for designation

Assessment is the stage of the heritage process in which the cultural value of a potential historic site is examined. Existing knowledge of the site’s cultural values is examined, as well as the condition of the resource. This examination tries to securely establish the site’s identity, integrity, and the rarity and/or clarity with which it represents its association with the historical phenomena for which it may be commemorated. Administrative purposes of heritage assessment The administrative purposes of heritage assessment are 1) to provide a secure basis for the decision to accept or reject the site as an historic site, 2) to provide a long term record of the evidence upon which that decision was made so that

it can be reviewed, if appropriate, upon the appearance of new evidence, 3) to provide an accountable basis for the decision to accept or reject the site as an historic site

– one that can be consulted and forwarded in response to public questions, 4) to provide a secure initial basis of knowledge about the site as the platform for subsequent

activities should it be commemorated as an historic site. Cost / Benefit Although there is an initial cost to preparing assessment reports for the evaluation of potential historic sites, it is not wise to avoid or otherwise attempt to circumvent that cost. Research thoroughly performed during an assessment provides a firm, consistent basis for all subsequent activities related to the site – political as well as administrative. The presence of a scholarly assessment report removes any doubt that a decision to commemorate (or not commemorate) has been made on the basis of a professional or political whim. It provides a firm platform for forward, and is an essential step in responsible management of the site. Designation without firm recorded evidence, nor a clear understanding of the issues and resources at hand, is inevitably a much more costly proposition. In addition, the historical evidence discovered through assessment will add to the basis of knowledge on the history of the NWT whether the site is commemorated or not, and provides important insight for other work including future assessment. The benefits are high for a small investment at this time. What is heritage assessment?

• the means by which a property is examined for possible cultural heritage value, • an accountable analysis conducted through field examination and scholarly research, • a task most effectively performed by trained heritage professionals, in cooperation and

consultation with the nominating bodies and other interest groups, • an exploration critical to identifying and confirming the aspects of a property that may

have cultural value, • an analysis obliged to explore the significance of that representation to the people of the

NWT, • an activity supported by a short formal assessment report which presents and defends

32

evidence at a well-informed or high academic standard, • an opportunity to briefly present a case for or against recognition as a heritage property

on the basis of pertinent knowledge about the past and remnants of the past that have survived.

Heritage assessment is not

• a sign that the heritage features of a property necessarily merit commemoration, • the final judgment on the heritage value of a property. An assessment report is the

responsible presentation of evidence that is weighed and decided through evaluation. Re-evaluation should occur if more evidence appears.

• an opportunity to record and explore all aspects of a property for historical knowledge or preservation attention. Such activities are not appropriate unless and until heritage value has been recognized.

• exhaustive research. More information is usually available, and is often required to provide a better understanding of the site for project development.

Assessment of different types of sites

The shallow level of scholarly and site condition research required for assessment is usually sufficient to explore and confirm the cultural value of most types of historic sites. All of these are historic places that survive above ground. Archaeological sites, however, are often buried in the ground. For that reason, they are initially identified less easily. It is also much more difficult to confirm their completeness, or to define their extent or their parts without costly excavation. In most jurisdictions in Canada, investigation of an archaeological site occurs in four distinct stages, the first three of which are concerned with assessment. Briefly, each of these stages constitutes a platform upon which preliminary assessment can occur. Since field testing and excavation are expensive, and since it is not possible to confirm the nature and value of an archaeological site without them , work advances slowly to ensure that only necessary work is done. Stage 1 checks known sites in the area to confirm the likelihood of resources. Stage 2 confirms the presence of resources through systematic test excavation. Stage 3 provides more detailed confirmation through focused testing. According to the nature of findings at preliminary stages, vigilance of a potential archaeological site may be increased or relaxed in an attempt to keep the costs of investigation in line with the probable cultural value of the site. Once the presence of a resource is confirmed (Stage 2), planners often prefer to passively avoid the site in planning activity and development thereby avoiding costly investigation. The heritage value of an archaeological site cannot be securely established until full excavation, Stage 4 of its assessment investigation, has been completed.

33

Regardless of type, all potential historic sites are assessed under the same general guidelines. These are A Human Associations

B Compositional Value C Geographic / Site Associations D Community Interest

Specific subject areas are addressed, as appropriate within these general guidelines. The following chart provides some examples of how this applies to different types of sites, but it can and should be adapted to suit the nature of the site specifically being assessed. Assessment - Types of heritage value A Human Associations

Associations with the worldview, themes, people or events of pre- and/or post-contact life. Relationships that identify the age and experience of the site with reference to human societies and their development. Relationships that place the origin and evolution of the resource in context over time. Sub-topics of examination could include historical, cultural, social, spiritual, scientific, or educational associative value. Sometimes these issues must be discussed from more than one perspective (i.e. from a local perspective and from a territorial perspective. Use a separate assessment box for each point and perspective. )

Sub-categories for Examination

Kind of Historic Site Associative Components of Site Possible Values

buildings and structures

cultural landscapes

archaeological sites

sacred & special places

associations with national, provincial or regional history associations with local history associations with pre- and/or post-contact history

representation of major historical themes, events and/or people associated stories, world views, beliefs, lifestyles

34

B Compositional Value

Associations related to the inherent physical composition of the resource -- factors (patterns, people or ideas) guiding its assembly or its use of existing assembly, its organization and/or its use of organization, its materials, its technologies, its remaining physical integrity (including known disruption or disturbance).


Kind of Historic Site Compositional Components of Site

Possible Values


aesthetic design & evolution

functional design & evolution

exterior & interior architecture origins including designer, builder defining design elements layout & spatial distribution craftsmanship and materials technologies additions, alterations, adaptations

35

Kind of Historic Site Compositional Components of Site

Possible Values

cultural landscapes aesthetic design & composition of built and natural components functional design & composition of built and natural components archaeological sites sacred sites

built components: exterior & interior architecture origins including designer, builder defining design elements layout & spatial distribution craftsmanship, style and materials technologies additions, alterations, adaptations natural components: site features belief properties manner of use layout & spatial distribution landscape as a whole: spatial distribution of places within landscape relationships and connections between places within landscape

archaeological sites cultural period and model compositional integrity / recovery site productivity site organization layout & spatial distribution craftsmanship materials / material culture


cultural meaning cultural use

site feature belief properties manner of use layout & spatial distribution

36

C Geographic / Site Values

Associations related to the geographical environment in which the resource is located: its placement, links to and impact upon the organization and evolution of its environment, near and far. Geographic site associations are usually discussed within the context of the site itself, and also within the context of the entire site in its general location. (For cultural landscapes, the geographic properties of the site itself are generally described in “Composition”, leaving the area only to be discussed as a “Geographic Site Association”.)


Kind of Historic Site Geographic Components of Site Possible Values


site setting (area or neighbourhood) landmark (status as, link with)

cultural landscapes site site components setting landmark

archaeological sites


site setting (area / neighbourhood) landmark

origins of site use previous site use change or evolution over time layout & arrangement natural features of site man-made components of site vistas View planes relationship to off-site features relationship to transportation corridors relationship to geographic venue (community, area of town, group of interconnected places, dominant natural surroundings)

D Community of Interest

Who are the stakeholders in the heritage represented by this site? Who has already declared an interest in the values it represents? How?

37

Format for the Assessment Reports of Territorial historic sites Site Name

Site Location general community or area only

Prepared by

Date

Background Information This information is for orientation, not assessment, and should supplement and correct inventory information.

type of site

site description location, extent, major parts

ownership and occupancy

current status pressing site issues that explain or impact assessment

map(s) showing location organize consecutively at end of report, give Figure #(s) here

photograph(s) add consecutively at end of report, give Figure #(s) here

sources if relevant add scholarly endnotes for this section here

Repeat the boxes below as often as necessary to responsibly answer the question “What is it?”, changing the number for each new point, or potential heritage value to be considered for evaluation. Areas below can be filled out as sentences, paragraphs, or in point form as appropriate.

38

A-1 Human Association What stories does the place tell about the human experience?

identification State the name, place, event, theme, or phenomenon to be discussed as you would use it for a title or sub-title.

context Provide a brief scholarly explanation of what is identified above, linking it to the reasons why that general name, place, event, theme or phenomenon might matter in the patterns of history.

specific contribution

Describe and document the contribution of the place being studied to the context discussed above.

other examples

List examples of other sites that make a contribution within a similar context, briefly noting the nature of their contribution. Sites entered in this area provide comparative evidence to judge the rarity or quality of representation of the site under discussion.

figure (s) Add consecutively at end of report, give Figure #(s) here.

sources Add scholarly endnotes for this section here. B-1 Composition What does its appearance tell us about the past?

identification Identify one topic relevant to assessment of the composition of the site. State it as you would use it for a title or sub-title. Typical headings might be “Neo-classical Style”, or “Gwich’in Burial Site” , “19th century fishing camp”, “Hudson’s Bay warehouse – functional organization”. Use the list of appropriate sub-categories and topics provided in the Assessment Categories Chart above for inspiration.

context Provide a brief scholarly explanation of the phenomenon or type of composition identified above that might matter as a representation of the form, design, function, or traditional of a particular time, culture, aesthetic or functional intent, and/or level of skill. Describe the typical physical properties of such a place.


Describe the physical properties of the place being studied in terms of past and present representation of its type, and in terms of its present similarity or integrity to its own original composition.

other examples

List examples of other sites representative of a similar type of composition noting the quality of their representation. Sites entered in this area provide comparative evidence for evaluation of the site under discussion.

39


sources Add scholarly endnotes for this section here. C-1 Geographic / Site Representation What does its location tell us about the past?

identification Identify one topic relevant to assessment of the geographic representation of the site. State it as you would use it for a title or sub-title. Typical headings for the site itself might be “Model Farm”, “Mine Site”, and “Camp Site”. Typical headings for a specific feature of the site might be “View planes”, “Outbuildings”, or “Natural Features”. Typical headings for the area in which the site is located could be “Historic Old Town”, “Mackenzie River Settlement”, and “Landmark”. Use the list of appropriate sub-categories and topics provided in the Assessment Categories Chart above for inspiration.

context Provide a brief scholarly explanation of the geographic site topic identified above, explaining its place in the past and why it might matter to future generations. Explain what is typical of such places.


Describe and document the nature of the place being studied. How closely does it represent what is typical of such places? How much has it changed over the years? Has that had an impact upon its ability to portray why it might matter? Is it part of a larger historic place or heritage area? If so, what is the place? What are its parts? And how important is the contribution of the site being studied to the well-being of the whole?

other examples

List examples of other sites that make a similar geographic statement, briefly noting how they compare to the site under study. Sites entered in this area provide comparative evidence to judge the rarity or quality of representation of the site under discussion.


sources Add scholarly endnotes for this section here.

40

D Community of Interest Who cares? How much do they care?

-1 List each public group (cultural group, community group, organization, and /or community/ population) with an interest in the heritage of this site. Put each group beside a separate number on this list.

Use this column to tell whether the group has indicated that it values this site for its heritage, and if so, how that has been accomplished.

-2

-3

-4

-5

-6

-7

41

Follow-up to assessment 1) Completed assessment reports are reviewed by a group of individuals (preferably one that

includes representatives of site stakeholders). The individuals perform an evaluation of the cultural value of the site using a defined set of guidelines. (See Evaluation, as follows).

2) The completed assessment report is filed as a heritage record for future consultation,

regardless of whether the site it discusses is commemorated or not. 3) The NWT Inventory form should be completed, revised and/or up-dated as a follow-up to

the information obtained during assessment.

42

Evaluating a site for designation Evaluation identifies the level and nature of the heritage significance of the property. It answers the questions

Does the place have any heritage value? Is there sufficient heritage value to merit commemoration? What is the nature of that heritage value? To whom does that heritage value matter?

A site’s overall heritage significance is the sum of the heritage values identified in the evaluation process. Most sites will have many, and possibly conflicting, heritage values. A summary of all these values is provided in a statement of heritage significance. Who conducts a heritage evaluation?

Evaluation is always conducted by a committee of individuals who discuss the merits of the site (as outlined in the Assessment Report) and arrive at a consensus about its significance. It is advisable that all stakeholders have a voice in the evaluation process. Consequently, staff at the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre will conduct evaluation with the input of local authorities, concerned departments, or other declared stakeholders as appropriate. What is the basis for a heritage evaluation?

A heritage evaluation should be conducted on the basis of information provided in the heritage assessment report. Occasionally, members of an evaluation committee do supply additional knowledge that influences how a decision is made. A record of the nature and source of that additional knowledge should be retained in the Comments column of the evaluation form. What are the limitations of a heritage evaluation? A heritage evaluation can only be made on the basis of knowledge that is available when it is prepared -- and on the basis of current attitudes towards what we value about our past. Over time, both of these things change. New evidence is discovered, new ways of using existing evidence are developed, and as a society we view the past with different questions in mind. Heritage evaluations need to be reviewed for updating or confirmation every twenty years or so.

43

Guide to Applying Evaluation Criteria 1. Do the values of this place matter to the heritage of the NWT?

It must represent a heritage value important to one of the following: • all peoples of the NWT, • one of the Territory’s composite populations (as a balanced grouping of each), • one population group spread over more than one geographic region or locality, • two or more communities, • two or more population groups, • the NWT in a wider world, • the NWT as a northern identity, • the NWT as a Canadian identity, • NWT government, its history, administration and accommodation.

It must also

• have value in at least one of the following categories: history, composition, geographic setting, or society • be 50 years of age or older, unless under exceptional circumstances • be in its original location, unless under exceptional circumstances

have retained its historic fabric, unless under exceptional circumstances. If the place does not meet the criteria above, it is not eligible for designation.

2. How important are the values associated with this site?

Critical 10 essential to interpreting our cultural heritage.

High 8 important to interpreting our cultural heritage.

Medium 6 useful to interpreting our cultural heritage.

Low 3 interesting but not necessary to interpreting our cultural heritage.

???? unable to assess

Cannot tell from the evidence presented.

3. How important is this site to the representation of its value?

Critical 10 Issues or phenomena cannot be represented without it.

High 8 very important. Clarifies understanding of issues or phenomena.

Medium 6 important. Confirms understanding of issues or phenomena.

Low 3 not too important. Partial reflection of clearly understood issues or phenomena.



44

4. How well does this property represent its value?

Critical 10 excellent representation. Every important quality is there.

High 8 very good representation. Most important qualities are there.

Medium 6 good representation. Some major qualities and some minor qualities are there.

Low 3 poor representation. Most major qualities are absent, although minor ones exist.



5. How important is this site to ensuring evidence of its value survives?

Critical 10 This is one of very few representations (in existence or of its nature or quality).

High 8 This is one of few representations (in existence or of its notable nature or quality).

Medium 6 This is one of many examples, but nonetheless interesting for its nature or quality.

Low 3 This is one more example of a value commonly represented as well elsewhere.



Places with __100_ points or more will be designated territorial historic sites.

45

Evaluation form for the designation of territorial historic sites

designated

not designated

Site

Location

A Human Associations Does this value matter to the heritage of the NWT?

How important is this value?

How important is this site to retaining this value in our lives?

How well does this site represent this value?

How rare are opportunities to retain this value

value per item

value for category

A-1

A-2

A-3

A-4

A-5

Total points assigned for Historical Associations (max. ** points)

B Compositional Values

Does this value matter to the heritage of the NWT?





value per item

value for category

B-1

B-2

B-3

B-4

B-5

Total points assigned for Composition Values (max. ** points)

C Geographic / Site Values

Does this value matter to the heritage of the NWT?





value per item

value for category

C-1

C-2

C-3

C-4

C-5

Total points assigned for Geographic / Site Values (max. ** points)

D Community of Interest (max. ** points)

# of groups interested

strength of interest (1-10)

Total points for Community of Interest (number of groups multiplied by strength of interest)

TOTAL POINTS Places with __100 _ points or more will be designated territorial historic sites.

46

_________________________________ __________________________________ Name of Evaluator Name of Evaluator __________________________________ __________________________________ Signature of Evaluator Signature of Evaluator __________________________________ __________________________________ Date Date _________________________________ __________________________________ Name of Evaluator Name of Evaluator __________________________________ __________________________________ Signature of Evaluator Signature of Evaluator __________________________________ __________________________________ Date Date _________________________________ __________________________________ Name of Evaluator Name of Evaluator __________________________________ __________________________________ Signature of Evaluator Signature of Evaluator __________________________________ __________________________________ Date Date

47

Follow-up to evaluation 1) The evaluation form should be stored with documentation associated with the site

(whether it has territorial significance or not). 2) Arrangements should be made for the assessment and evaluation of any additional sites

raised by this evaluation (whether within the Territorial heritage review system or with an appropriate International, National or local agency.)

3) If the site is worthy of commemoration as a Territorial historic site, a Statement of

Significance should be prepared that reflects the reasons and relative balance of reasons for which it has been determined to be significant.

48

Statement of Significance With the development of the nation-wide Historic Places Initiative (HPI) and its Canadian Register of Historic Places (CRHP), statements of heritage significance have become important documents in the identification and management of heritage resources in Canada. The Government of the Northwest Territories is a partner in the Historic Places Initiative, and endorses the writing and use of statements of significance for territorial historic sites. Statements of significance are written based on the values identified in the evaluation process. Statements have three components: a brief statement of the nature of the site; a summary of why it has been commemorated as significant to the people of the NWT; and the identification of features, uses or associations of the site that embody its heritage character and therefore must be protected to retain its heritage value. Simply stated, the Statement of Significance answers these questions:

What is it? Why should anyone care? What things hold its value?

Purposes of a Statement of Significance 1) The Statement of Significance is a single expression of the heritage values of a place.

These values serve as a reference point for all planning, administrative and legislative activities concerning the site.

2) The Statement of Significance is appended to all planning, administrative and legislative

documents related to the site, either directly or indirectly. 3) The Statement of Significance serves as a basis for all government supported activities

intended to support or enhance the heritage value of the site. The Character-Defining Elements section, in particular, provides guidance to property owners, planners, architects and others involved in the conservation or rehabilitation of the historic site.

4) The Statement of Significance provides an essential platform for the eligibility of the site

for many heritage grants and programs.

49

Contents of a Statement of Significance Part 1 Description of Historic Place Purpose This section describes what is formally recognized Format One or two sentences written in narrative style. Content This section is a summary of the physical extent and the principal resources that

define the historic place. It clearly outlines what is included in the formal recognition. References to the context or location of the place may also be helpful in providing a general description.

Part 2 Heritage Value Purpose This section describes why the place is important or significant. Format The heritage value section should be written in two or three paragraphs, in written

in narrative form.

The section should conclude with a reference to a source document that clearly defines the heritage value. This could be a formal recognition report, minutes of the evaluation meeting, designation legislation, an existing statement of significance or heritage character statement.

Content This section describes the core heritage value(s) on which the formal recognition

of the place is based by a particular jurisdiction. Note: A place may have different values for commemoration as a Territorial

historic site than it has as a National Historic Site or a Municipal Heritage Property. In this case, its values as a Territorial historic site should be described. The heritage value section measures the importance of a place in terms of its aesthetic, historic, scientific, cultural, social, or spiritual qualities. If the place has been recognized on the basis of more than one quality, each of the qualities must be explained separately.

Examples Places with heritage value include: • places that illustrate achievement in concept and design, technology,

and /or planning, or a significant stage in the development of the territory (or in other contexts of a community, or the nation),

• places associated with events that have contributed to patterns of history at the territorial level (or in other contexts at the local or national level),

• places associated with the lives of persons of historical importance at the territorial level (or in other contexts at the local or national level),

50

• places that illustrate or symbolize in whole or in part a cultural tradition, way of life, or ideas important in the development of the territory (or in other contexts of a community, or the nation),

Part 3 Character- Defining Elements Purpose This section explains which principal features, uses, or associations of the historic

place speak to directly to its heritage value and should be protected. Format This section should begin with an introductory sentence referring to the site, or

which heritage value is being itemized. This sentence should be followed by point-form paragraphs referring to each defining element. Each point form point should be preceded by a dash, not a bullet.

Where a place has more than one heritage value, the elements related to each value can be listed together or separately. Where a historic site has multiple resources (i.e. several parts), the elements relating to the place as a whole, and the elements relating to each of the principle resources within the place can be listed separately.

Content A general description or identification of each principal feature, use, or

association of the historic site that contributes to its heritage value. The list should not attempt to exhaustively identify each specific element, but rather provide a more general indicator of the kinds of features that should be preserved.

Character defining elements include such elements as the

• materials • forms • location • spatial configurations • uses, and • cultural associations or meanings

that contribute to the heritage value of a historic place, and which must be retained in order to preserve its heritage value

Character defining elements must be • present in the current character of the site; they do not include

conservation advice as to what should be retained, protected or replaced.

• located within the physical resource(s) described in the Description of Historic Place (Part 1 of the Statement of Significance).

• direct evidence of the heritage value(s) for which the historic site has been commemorated as described in Heritage Value (Part 2 of the

51

Statement of Significance). Elements that do not contribute to commemorated heritage value(s) are not considered to be character defining.

• exist at the time of commemoration of the Territorial historic site. Past elements which have been removed or destroyed, or elements which were planned but never executed are not considered to be character-defining elements.

Examples Examples of character-defining elements include

- the style, massing and/or composition of the historic site, - features of the historic site that reflect its function (or functional type), - the spatial configuration of the historic site, - the materials and craftsmanship of the historic site, - the role of the historic site as a landmark or prominent feature within its broader setting, - a traditional use or activity that continues to be associated with the historic site, - cultural associates or meanings that continue to be associated with the historic site.

Writing a Statement of Significance Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre has prepared a separate Guide to Writing Statements of Significance. This should be consulted to ensure all essential information is included in the preparation of such a document. The following pages provide examples of statements of significance for different types of historic sites in the Northwest Territories.

52

Cultural Landscape Name of Historic Place Fort Smith Mission Territorial Historic Park Description of Historic Place Fort Smith Mission Historic Park is a 1.8-hectare Northwest Territorial Park in downtown Fort Smith. Built in the early 1900s, the park sits on a portion of the original Roman Catholic mission site. The most prominent feature in the park, the Bishop’s Residence, is surrounded by five out buildings, the old St. Isadore’s Church, and fields that were once used to produce food for the mission. Heritage Value of Historic Place The Fort Smith Mission Historic Park contains the only remaining official Catholic Bishop’s residence in the Northwest Territories. The large residence, combined with its expansive fields, the old church, and five out buildings, illustrates the importance of the site to Roman Catholic administration. From 1926 to the early 1980’s, Fort Smith held the Bishop’s seat, and was the administrative centre of the Roman Catholic Church in the Northwest Territories. The Mission is associated with many northern Bishops, notably Archbishop Gabriel Breynat and, more generally, with the proselytizing efforts of both the Oblates and the Grey Nuns. The Residence itself also provides a good example of popular 1800’s northern missionary architecture. The Catholic Church played a significant role in the creation of Fort Smith and the development of the Northwest Territories in general. Together with the Hudson’s Bay Company, the Church established networks of trading posts, transshipment centres, churches, hospitals, schools and mission residences throughout the NWT. These buildings served as nodes for people to gather around, and often became the founding infrastructure of today’s communities. Fort Smith is no exception. Once the Hudson’s Bay Company set up a transshipment centre at the base of the Rapids of the Drowned, the Catholic Church quickly followed suit and established a church and residence. A farm, hospital, and residential school, as well as a newer church and residence, followed later. Together, these buildings attracted a permanent population, and the community soon became both the Catholic and federal administrative headquarters for the region. Source: Government of the Northwest Territories, Territorial Parks Act, August 12, 1993 Character-defining elements The overall character of Fort Smith Mission Territorial Historic Park is defined by: - its legibility as a cultural landscape grouped around the Bishop’s Residence, - the diverse nature of the activities represented on the site (residence, 5 outbuildings, church, grotto, landscape remnants, and archaeological remains), - the found forms and spatial inter-relationships between the components of the site. The character of the Bishop’s Residence is defined by: - its consolidated massing as a rectangular cube under a mansard roof, - its asymmetrical proportions, with a front door and porch located in the centre of original part of the building,

53

- its vernacular Second Empire architectural elements (bellcast eaves, gable dormers), - its simple wood materials, - its prominent site as the key element in the cultural landscape, The character of the 5 outbuildings is defined by: - their simple massing and gabled roofs, - asymmetrical proportions that witness the multiple additions typical of utility structures, - the placement of doors and interior facilities related to the use of each building (vehicle repair shop, storage sheds, carpentry shop, machine shop), - their original wood materials, - their siting to the north of the Bishop’s Residence on a service road, The character of the Church is defined by: - its simple rectangular massing, pitched roof and central bell tower, - its balanced proportions with a central door vestibule, central tower, and regularly articulated window placement on the side facades, - its round headed windows and spire-like tower, - its wooden materials, - its siting on its original location to the north east of the Bishop’s Residence, The character of the grotto is defined by: - the found form and materials of the grotto, - evidence of previous use in its construction, - its religious decorations, - its location beside the old portage road across from the former hospital building, The character of the landscape remnants is defined by: - evidence of a road running in front of the Bishop’s Residence, - fences and hedge remnants separating the Bishop’s Residence and fields from the road, - remnants of cultivated fields on the south and east edges of the site - remnants of gardens to the rear of the Bishop’s Residence, their outlines and early plantings, - vestiges of pathways, drives and roadways, The character of the archaeological remains is defined by: - the footprints and sub-surface remains of earlier buildings on the site, - the location of the cultural landscape on a major road downtown Fort Smith on an axis with the (distant) harbour, and beside a road that was once a major portage route, - viewscapes to other buildings, fields and archaeological remnants that once comprised the full mission site.

54

Remains Name of Historic Place Whalers’ Graves Territorial historic site Description of Historic Place “Whalers’ Graves Territorial historic site is the site of two upright ornate wooden headboards marking the death of eight men from the Grampus and Balaena whale ships in 1895-1896 on the east shore of Balaena Bay, Parry Peninsula.” Heritage Value of Historic Place These graves are poignant reminders of the profitable and dramatic whaling industry in Canada’s western arctic. The western arctic was the last frontier of the world whaling industry, and its final flourish before declining in the early 1900’s. The whalers’ graves headboards are handsome, ornate remains of this era, and two of the few remaining examples of their type. Source: NWT Historical Resources Act, August 29, 1975 Character Defining Elements The character of Whalers’ Graves is defined by its: - location as a surface marking over the sub-surface remains of the whalers’ burial site, - decorative elements of the grave markers (ornate woodcarving, metal and wooden finials), - legible inscription on the headboard, - original wood and metal materials, - expansive viewscapes from the gravesites on the shore to the sea.

Building Name of Historic Place Tulita Church, Territorial historic site Description of Historic Place The Old Anglican Church and lot in Tulita (formerly Fort Norman) is a territorially designated historic site. It is a single story log building with a gable roof and wooden steeple. Heritage Value of Historic Place Tulita Church is a Northwest Territories Historic Site because it is one of the oldest standing buildings in the Northwest Territories. The dovetailed log structure is an excellent example of the building style of the time, as well as fine craftsmanship. Its historical association with the Church of England (Anglican Church) is a testament to early Anglican missionary activities in Northern Canada. Legendary missionaries such as Bishop William Carpenter Bompass are also associated with the site. This old Anglican Church speaks to the era of early contact between Europeans and northern Aboriginal people, and the establishment of the church and commerce that came with it. Source: NWT Historical Resources Act, 29 February 1979.

55

Character Defining Elements The character of the church is defined by its: - rectangular log building with peaked roof with belfry, - symmetrical in form with central door, square- headed side windows in parallel banks, - original materials and craftsmanship of dovetailed log structure, - decorative elements related to its religious function, - original location in the centre of Tulita, - viewscape to the river, early pathways and structures of the town.

56

57

Public Review of Designation Recommendation The opportunity for public input into the decision to designate Territorial Historic Sites is essential if the commemoration is to receive the long-term support it requires to be effective. Since there is only a minimal opportunity for public input into the evaluation process, and since distances for consultation are great, what follows is an innovative method of conducting public review that, for all its innovation, is critical to the success of protecting valuable heritage. Notice of Recommendation to Designate Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre will take the following steps to provide adequate notice of recommendation to designate: 1) Descriptive notice (picture/map and text) of the recommendation to designate specific

Territorial Historic Sites should be posted for 3 weeks - on the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage web site, http://pwnhc.ca, - in a community newspaper (if one exists), and if not, on the notice board of the community post office,

2) A list of sites recommended for designation together with a reference to where more

detailed information will be found (i.e. http://pwnhc.ca and community locations) should appear in News North for 3 weeks (i.e. a small add with a notice and a list).

3) Letters noting recommendation to designate a site should be sent to local government

councils, band councils (if different), local historical societies, the owner of the property, and other potential stakeholder interest groups at least 1 month before the designation recommendation is forwarded for further action.

Sample documents are appended on the following pages. Reaction to Public Responses 1) Both public and official responses supporting the designation should be listed and filed in

the inventory file for the site. 2) Objections to designation must be pursued with a view to arriving at a consensus about

the value of the site. The following activities may assist: - person to person telephone conversation, - review (and possibly local distribution) of the assessment report for the site, - a local public meeting, - minimal mitigation of a particular issue under dispute (such as amendment of the boundaries of the site.)

Sample Notice of Intention to Designate a) Descriptive Notice A notice of this nature should appear at www.pwnhc.ca, and in local newspapers or on local post office notice boards:

The Government of the Northwest Territories announces its intention to designate

the following properties as Territorial Historic Sites under provision 2(b) of the Historical Resources Act (R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c.H-3).

Public comment concerning this intention must be received by (date – 1 month in time)

by the Cultural Places Officer, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Box 1320, Yellowknife, NT, XIA 2L9, fax 867-873-0205, e-mail [email protected].

Description of Historic Place: The Old Anglican Church and lot in Tulita (formerly Fort Norman) is a territorially designated historic site. It is a single story log building with a gable roof and wooden steeple. Heritage Value: Built in c. 1880 this church is one of the oldest standing buildings in the Northwest Territories. The dovetailed log structure is an excellent example of the building style of the time, as well as the fine craftsmanship. Its historical association with the Church of England (Anglican Church) is a testament to early Anglican missionary activities in Northern Canada. Legendary Anglican missionaries, such as Bishop William Carpenter Bompass, are also associated with the site. Located on the former Hudson’s Bay lot in the historic centre of the community, the old Anglican Church speaks to the era of early contact between Europeans and northern Aboriginal people, and the establishment of the church, and commerce, that came with it.

58

b) NewsNorth Notice A notice of this nature should be printed for a period of 3 weeks in NewsNorth.

The Government of the Northwest Territories

announces its intention to designate the following properties as Territorial Historic Sites under provision 2(b) of the Historical Resources Act (R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c.H-3).

Public comment concerning this intention must be received by (date- 1month in time) by the Cultural Places Officer, Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre,

Box 1320, Yellowknife, NWT, X1A 2L9, fax (867) 873-0205, email [email protected].

List of names of the properties and their communities.

More complete descriptions of these sites are available at www.pwnhc.ca.

c) Letter of Notification Letters of notification must be sent to the local bodies who must respect and monitor long term retention of heritage character. These bodies include mayors or community councils, band leaders or band councils, heritage organizations and other stakeholders, and property owners. The full statement of significance, as well as a map or an image of the place should ideally accompany letters.

Dear ****; The Director of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre wishes to inform you of his intention to recommend name of site in your community for designation as a Territorial Historic Site under provision 2(b) of the Historical Resources Act (R.S.N.W.T. 1988, c.H-3). Please find the Statement of Significance for this property appended. Your comments on this recommendation are invited before (date – 1 month in time). Sincerely,

59

Follow-up activities 1) copies of positive comments should be placed on inventory file for site. This must include

a letter of support from the property owner(s). 2) copies of objection letters should be placed on the inventory file for the site. 3) complete, detailed records should be kept of all conversations, meetings and activities that

occur to address an objection.

60

Recommendation to Commissioner The Commissioner’s approval is required to designate all Territorial Historic Sites. This is sought through a recommendation to the Commissioner. Recommendations to the Commissioner should include 1) A letter of recommendation 2) The full statement of significance for the property (including map and photo) 3) A briefing note describing public response to announcement of intent to designate. In

some cases it may be appropriate to include original support letters. In cases of objection, it is necessary to note the objection and summarize the actions taken to obtain consensus. The nature of any agreement required to obtain consensus should be noted, as should the nature of outstanding objection if no consensus is achieved.

Follow-up activities 1) Date of Commissioner’s approval should be listed in inventory document on the site. 2) Documents giving approval should be placed in the file on the site. 3) Copies of documents submitted for approval should be placed in the file on the site.

61

Legislation The Commissioner of the Northwest Territories creates territorial Historic Sites. The Historic Resources Act gives express permission for the Commissioner (not the Commissioner in Council) to sign a simple Order. The Order is then registered as a Regulation. From time to time, these Regulations are consolidated and passed as a single Declaration/ Regulation. How is this done? The Order is drafted by the Legislature. It has three parts: declaring new sites, amending / cleaning up the Regulations, de-listing any sites.

62

Posting of territorial historic sites The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre web site should contain an area especially set aside for sites that have been designated as Territorial Historic Sites. New sites should be entered on the web site within 1 month of their designation. Posted information Information posted about each territorial historic site should include the following: 1) A photograph of the site 2) A map showing its location 3) A full statement of significance for the site, including the description, heritage value, and

character-defining elements. Canadian Register of Historic Places Designated territorial historic sites should also be posted on the Canadian Register of Historic Places. This is the responsibility of the Cultural Places Officer. The Cultural Places Officer must gather all the documentation required for listing the site on the register, and upload the compiled document to the on-line register. See the Canadian Register of Historic Places Documentation Handbook for further information on required documentation.

Follow-up activity 1) It may be desirable to make another announcement of new Territorial Historic Sites in

News North. A listing would probably suffice. 2) Statements of Significance could be used to serve as a press release on new sites (and

possibly get some free publicity) 3) Letters announcing designation should be sent to local councils / mayors, band councils /

chiefs, and to the owner of the property (at minimum). It may be advisable to also inform other stakeholders.

63

Whalers’ Graves Territorial Historic Site Description of Historic Place Whalers’ Graves Territorial Historic Site is the site of two upright ornate wooden headboards marking the death of eight men from the Grampus and Balaena whale ships in 1895-1896 on the east shore of Balaena Bay, Parry Peninsula. Heritage Value of Historic Place These graves are poignant reminders of the profitable and dramaticwhaling industry in Canada’s western arctic. The western arcticwas the last frontier of the world whaling industry, and its finalflourish before declining in the early 1900’s. The whalers’ gravesheadboards are handsome, ornate remains of this era, and two ofthe few remaining examples of their type. Source NWT Historical Resources Act, August 29, 1975 Character Defining Elements - location as a surface marking over the sub-surface remains of thewhalers’ burial site, - decorative elements of the grave markers (ornate woodcarving,metal and wooden finials), - legible inscription on the headboard, - original wood and metal materials, - expansive viewscapes from the gravesites on the shore to the sea.

64

De-listing a Territorial Historic Site From time to time, it may be either necessary or advisable to remove the Territorial Historic Site designation from a property. This is done when a site has lost its heritage value. Procedure Technically, the procedure for de-listing is identical to the procedure for designation. In practice, however, it is usually possible to short-cut many of the steps. 1) Nomination / De-listing Request The request to de-listing a Territorial Historic Site can come from

• the public • Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre staff • local government.

Such a request needs to be written formally in order to provide long-term documentation. It should state why de-listing should be considered. 2) Inventory Listing All sites should remain on the inventory, whether they have been de-listed or not. Changes in the condition of the site should be noted under “present status”. 3) Re-Assessment Some investigation should be made into the reasons de-listing is requested. The objective of the assessment is to document the loss of heritage value at the site. Tools used should be in proportion to the extent that heritage value is recoverable. For example, if a site were completely destroyed by fire, a fire report and subsequent photographs would be all that was required in an assessment report on the loss of heritage value. If the site were only partially destroyed, however, it would be necessary to determine whether the part remaining continued to portray its heritage value sufficiently to remain a Territorial Historic Site. In such a case, a more detailed re-assessment should be conducted by a heritage professional. This report would make its arguments with reference to the original assessment and evaluation documents for the site. 4) Re-Evaluation The heritage value of the site should be formally re-evaluated on the basis of its present status. Such evaluations could consist of only a summary statement if it is obvious that the heritage value of the site has been destroyed (i.e. total demolition). 5) Statement of Significance Any changes to the site should be noted under “description”. The heritage value section should also be rewritten, whether as a statement of “lost heritage value”, or as a new statement of remaining heritage value. 6) Recommendation to Commissioner Under the provisions of the Historic Resources Act, the Commissioner has the right to require salvage (and/or repair) of a damaged site. It may be desirable to recommend some intermediate step to ensure surviving value of the site is maximized before making a recommendation to de-

65

list it. 7) Posting of a Recommendation to De-list Posting of a recommendation to de-list should occur, regardless of the circumstance that is forcing de-listing. This step will hopefully stop a lot of political pressure to de-list sites. The same rules should apply that apply to posting the intention to designate (i.e. PWNHC web site, local newspaper / post office posting, letters to appropriate bodies and individuals, News North notice). It would be appropriate to print the original statement of significance with a one or two line entry on why the site has lost sufficient heritage value to continue to be considered a Territorial Historic Site. 8) Formal De-listing Recommendation to Commissioner This should contain a briefing note outlining the need to de-list and measures taken to retain heritage value. This is accomplished by an Order issued by the Commissioner the same as designation. The order is then issued as a Regulation, and included in the next Consolidated statement. 9) Removal from the posted List of Territorial Historic Sites De-listed site must be removed from the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre’s web site. In many cases it would be advisable to issue a press package outlining the loss of heritage value to the site that caused the de-listing.

66

Date post:	23-Mar-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	pwnhc
View:	215 times
Download:	2 times