The project takes root on shores that have witnessed humans passing through, fishing, and inhabiting the land for 8,000 years. With 450 sites, Blanc-Sablon is a major archaeological hub of Nitassinan. The two protected sites in the region—the heritage site of Rive-Ouest-de-la-Blanc-Sablon and that of Île-au-Bois—naturally stand out as ideal locations for the project. Together, they form a circuit punctuated by four architectural interventions and two pedestrian trails. A naval link connects the island to the mainland. The relationship to the ground, in the context of sites with high archaeological potential, is at the heart of the project’s approach. The available information on the sites guides both the placement and the construction methods. Archaeology underpins the architecture.

A first mode of construction is established on the west shore. The research of archaeologist Jean-Yves Pintal documents the outlines of excavations carried out on about ten sites. Construction on the ground is limited strictly to within these boundaries, but may extend upward to offer more generous spaces for users. The project details three examples of construction on sites chosen for their surface area and strategic position.

EiBg-43 borders Route 138, facilitating the transport of archaeological material by truck. Here, one finds the services necessary for research, including a laboratory equipped with technologies for the dissemination of knowledge (3D photography, 3D printing, etc.). The program is inspired, on a smaller scale, by the Québec Archaeology Laboratory and Reserve (LRAQ).

A footbridge connects to the neighboring site, EiBg-43a, which houses the high-density archaeological collections of Nitassinan–Basse-Côte-Nord, recently relocated from Québec (LRAQ). The organization of the center allows visitors and non-specialists of all ages to interact with archaeologists. Though limited in size, the space is designed to encourage exchanges, maintaining constant visual connections with the technical areas while skillfully managing circulation to protect highly valuable artifacts.

Upon leaving, visitors follow the “archaeo-trail,” which blends into existing informal paths and approaches the listed archaeological sites where, perhaps, other infrastructures could be added in successive phases of the project. Along the way, a structure emerges—and upon approach, one discovers EiBg-1A: the exhibition pavilion, which offers a short stop to inform visitors about the invisible within the landscape. Artifacts are temporarily displayed here, following the rhythm of excavations by archaeologists passing through.

The laboratory, the reserve, and the exhibition pavilion share a common materiality: an interior-exterior concrete made from Blanc-Sablon sand, as if these architectures were nothing more than a reorganization of the subsoil. Some elements—roofs and footbridges—are lightly anchored, clad in black-painted metal. Openings are carefully controlled to manage light entry and frame views, thus punctuating the visitor’s journey.

From an existing dock, one then embarks for Île-au-Bois. Landing is made at a minimally developed natural quay, formed by rocks stretching into a point that borders an inviting sandy cove. A footbridge guides visitors toward the exhibition pier. The construction method here does not follow the same rules as on the mainland, since on this island the outlines of past excavations are unknown. The choice is therefore to remain suspended above the ground using slender wood elements, surface-charred. The structure as a whole recalls that of local vernacular piers. The exhibition box, clad in black metal, opens at both ends to connect sea and island. Inside, visitors are informed before looking out toward the allochthonous ruins of old fisheries. They may then walk closer by following the gravel path, minimally traced into the island’s low lichens.

Before archaeologists can anchor permanently into the ground, they must first pass through, for to build, one must dig. The Chronicles of Ancient Shores circuit thus encourages archaeological research in the region, toward an in-situ practice—open, unconfined, and accessible to all.