Management Plan

Precontact dimension of Grosse Île

Grosse Île contains scattered vestiges of the precontact era that possibly reflect seasonal or occasional settlement by Aboriginal peoples, who may have used it as a stopping place when travelling, or as a location for hunting wildfowl or fishing. A few objects have been discovered such as blank flakes, tool fragments and a rough projectile head. Fragments of two vases from the Woodland period have also been recovered.

These Aboriginal pottery fragments were found in the vicinity of the disinfection building, and are from a vase which is typical of the traditional ceramics produced by the St. Lawrence Iroquois. This vase probably dates to the period between the early 13th century and the late 16th century.
Jacques Beardsell
Parks Canada

Commemorative intent
Resources symbolizing or representing the national significance of Grosse Île
Grosse Île and its cultural landscapes
On-site cultural resources
Movable cultural resources
Messages of national historic significance
Messages for the Canadian public
Messages for visitors to the site
Communication challenges
Other heritage values of the site
Precontact dimension of Grosse Île
Earliest settlers and agricultural use of the island before the quarantine station period
The Canadian Forces (1942-1945, 1951-1956)
Agriculture Canada (research and training station, animal quarantine)
International, national and regional links
Outstanding natural surroundings