The site of Birch Island has been targeted by the non-profit Healthy Waters
Labrador (HWL) and larger Labrador tourism initiative for conservation, environmental
education, and commemoration of the former Birch Island settlement. The settlement
existed from 1942 to 1969 when it was resettled under the Fisheries Household
Resettlement Program. The goal of this project was to gather historical data to inform the
information plaques that will be placed around the island. To fulfill this goal, an online
survey was set up, 17 individuals were formally interviewed, and a map of surface debris
from the former settlement was created. The analysis shows the changing landscape, the
island’s traditions, and everyday interactions of life. The product of this research is an
amalgamated body of knowledge including archival information, photos, interviews, and
archaeological analysis of debris and artifacts that will assist in informing the information
plaques planned for Birch Island by HWL
