3,000-year-old tools unearthed in Labrador

Workers at a housing project in Sheshatshiu, central Labrador, have uncovered 3,000-year-old artifacts, including tools and weapons.

What started as a housing development has evolved into an archaeological dig.

"It's a very important time period. It's the time period that's the least studied in Newfoundland and Labrador archeology, so its going to hopefully fill in a lot of gaps and help to answer a lot of questions," said archeologist Scott Neilson, one of the project's leaders.

Some of the people working on the project grew up around the area where artifacts are now being found. They said it's rewarding work.

"I love it. I really do. There is always a chance of something pretty amazing to be found, so it keeps you interested," said Judy Ashini. She's studying archeology at Memorial University of Newfoundland and grew up near the dig.

Ashini showed some of the items that have been found to Gov. Gen. Michaëlle Jean when she was visiting Labrador in mid-August.

The artifacts will be sent to St. John's for dating and returned to Labrador to be displayed there.