Untitled Document

We have already discussed the impact that the archaeological digs of Grassy Island had on the region, but what about the workers themselves? This section gives the workers a chance to voice their opinions and feelings on their experiences at Grassy Island. We hope that you will enjoy their insights and maybe you will consider volunteering / working for a site yourself some day.

"Grassy has a mystical essence that captures almost everyone that steps foot on her. I can say that the most outstanding quality that all us crew members share is the bond that one forms with the history and the passion that all diggers, be they professional or local laborers, discover while working on her. Everyone of us were intrigued by the fascinating history that she holds and were astonished to learn of the extensive history that Grassy has. This passion to uncover everything about the people who made Grassy their home was neutered by the wealth of knowledge that Rob so easily shared with us on every break, rides to and from the island, and our evening get togethers".

Dorothy Bennett (1981,93,94).

"If at anytime anyone has the chance to work on a dig in progress, even if it's to volunteer your time, do it. It would be worth the experience and education that you would receive."

Joyce Bouchie (1993-94).

"Whenever even 1 person becomes better educated about his/her own history it has an impact on others since it is always shared."

Ginny Boudreau (1993-94).

"Grassy Island was one of the most interesting and rewarding things that I have ever done and I would gladly turn in my computer for a trowel."

Dorothy Bennett (1981,93,94).

"There is a lot you can learn from what is buried in the ground."

Eddie Rossong (1980)

"The project dig at Grassy Island created a few temporary jobs back then and currently at the time a interpretation centre. But I feel the island has to be fully developed in order to reap the benefits of tourism".

Robert Fraser (1979,81)

"I learned more about the history of the island. The way people lived and the hardships that they had."

Terry Parker (1979,81,93).

"I learnt digging skills, observational skills, novice archaeological skills, and some historical information and guiding skills."

Chris Lumsden (1993).

"This part of the maritimes has more history than any other".

Art Livingston (1978).

"Grassy Island has a historical significance to the area and North America is something we should Celebrate and Share".

Harold Roberts (1975).

"We learned what to look for, soil changes (stains), rock formations. That you're not allowed to just pull an artifact from the ground. You have to dig the rest of the pit down until the artifact is completely uncovered. Just in case there is a soil change. We learned how they use surveying, for making depths and locations, of points of interest on the pit. And how they use photography to record the progress of the dig. Everytime we found a new stain of rock formation we would have to survey the find and set up for pictures. We also learned a little bit about the cleaning and cataloging of the artifacts".

Steven Horne (1994).

"History is an asset to any community because it ties us all together and that helps in the preservation of our culture."

Ginny Boudreau (1993-94)

Thanks to all past workers of Grassy Island who participated in our worker's survey. It was greatly appreciated.

Friendship Comradery