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AbstractABSTRACTMateriality and RituaL The Origins of Stone Tombs in Southern MadagascarWhy do certain societies build monumental stone funerary architecture yet live in small, flimsy houses ? Who initiates practices of building tombs in stone ? In what social and geopolitical circumstances monumental tomb traditions began ? How do changes in funerary architecture compare with changes in funerary ritual ? This paper explores the history and context of monumental stone tombs currentiy built by the Tandroy people of Southern Madagascar.Key words : Parker Pearson, monumentality, funerary, history, Tandroy, Madagascar

ABSTRACTStarting with an empirical analysis of shareholders in Quebec's capital market, which raises historiographical and epistemological issues, this article highlights the significance of the internal social relations in understanding the national question. By the early decades of this century, the capital market in Québec contrasted sharply with that in English Canada. Although both relied on joint-stock companies, in Québec this emerging market was an integral part of a nationalist strategy, which enjoyed significant support among petty and middle-ranking bourgeois. Historically rooted and socially based, the creation of a separate capital market in Québec was thus a significant indicator of the distinct path to capitalism taken in Québec.

AbstractThe deglaciation of Nova Scotia is reconstructed using the AMS-dated chronology of lake sediments and buried organic sections exposed in the basins of former glacial lakes. Ice cleared out of the Bay of Fundy around 13.5 ka, punctuated by a brief read- vance ca. 13-12.5 ka (Ice Flow Phase 4). Glacial Lake Shubenacadie (1) formed in central Nova Scotia, impounded by a lobe of ice covering the northern Bay of Fundy outlet. Drainage was re-routed to the Atlantic Ocean until the Fundy outlet became ice free after 12 ka. When this lake drained, bogs and fens formed on the lake plain during climatic warming. Organic sediment (gyttja) began to accumulate in lake basins throughout Nova Scotia. Glacierization during the Younger Dryas period (ca. 10.8 ka) resulted in the inundation of lakes and lake plains with mineral sediment. The nature and intensity of this mineral sediment flux or "oscillation" varies from south to northern regions. Southern lakes simply record changes in total organic content whereas northern lakes, where most buried peat sections are found, feature a thick inorganic sediment layer. Glacial ice or permanent snow cover and seasonal melting are essential in the formation of this mineral sediment layer; both to provide the water source for erosion, and to prevent plant re- colonization and landscape stabilization. Some northern lakes do not appear to record the Younger Dryas event, with organic accumulation starting around 10 ka. During the Younger Dryas, fine and coarse-grained deposits were deposited in Glacial Lake Shubenacadie (2) and other lowland areas at elevations similar to former (12 ka) lake levels, impounded by re-invigorated residual ice caps and permanent snow/aufeis.

ABSTRACTPodzols are acidic soils of forested areas characterized by the pedogenic accumulation of iron (Fe) and aluminum (Al) in the B horizon (podzolic B horizon). Podzols cover large areas of the wet temperate and boreal zones and are associated to coarse parent materials. Knowledge on podzol genesis is of considerable interest with respect to the understanding, modelling and management of forested, agricultural and aquatic ecosystems and to the forecasting of soil changes in response to environmental perturbations. Four theories, or conceptual models, were formulated to describe podzol formation: the fulvate theory (Stobbe and Wright, 1959; McKeague etal., 1978), the proto-imogolite theory (Farmer et al., 1980; Anderson etal., 1982), the theory of chemical compartments (Ugolini and Dahlgren, 1987) and the Al polymer theory (Browne, 1995). Each theory emphasizes the role of specific processes such as the formation and transport of organo-metallic complexes, proto-imogolite synthesis and imogolite precipitation, mineral weathering by carbonic acid (H2CO3) and the formation of poiynuclear Al-silicate soluble complexes. However, the relative importance attributed to any of these processes varies as a function of the properties of the sites explored by the authors of a given theory. The absence of an integrated theory of podzol genesis also reflects our incomplete understanding of podzol dynamics, the fact that important processes have been left out and the apparent opposition between theories.

ABSTRACTSixty-two radiocarbon dates of marine shells, basal lake sediments, and basal peat deposits from the southeastern part of the Labrador-Ungava Peninsula, Canada, were evaluated for their accuracy and precision in estimating local deglaciation time. A procedure for the consistent evaluation of basal dates of lake sediments was developed after consideration of the problems with dating early-postglacial sediments. Of the 62 dates, 42 were selected to construct the regional déglaciation chronology, interpreted in the context of the glacial geology of the area. Late Wisconsin ice stretched to or beyond the present-day coastline throughout the study area, except in southeastern Labrador where the extreme southeastern coast was probably ice-free during Late Wisconsin time. Déglaciation began in southeastern Labrador by 13.OK. It proceeded slowly at first, and between 9.7K and 10.5K the retreating ice formed the Paradise Moraine, which parallels the southeastern Labrador coastline. In contrast, the coast at Sept-îles was not ice-free until about 9.4K. Shortly thereafter the extensive Québec North Shore Moraine System developed, although its precise age is uncertain. The position of the ice margin at 8.0K is uncertain, but may still have been near the Québec North Shore Moraine System. After 8.0K ice retreat was rapid, although extensive ice persisted at 6.5K in western Labrador and adjacent Québec. Final wastage of ice occurred in two localities in the center of the Labrador-Ungava Peninsula just after 6.OK. The precision of the well-dated glacial isochrones is estimated to be about ± 23 km.

ABSTRACTSediment cores, taken at depths of 140 to 300 m across the northwestern shelf of Axel Heiberg Island (82° N), record the deposition of sediments under perennial sea ice. Five sedimentary fades are recognized: (A) soft pebbly-sandy-mud with dropstone structures; (B) bioturbated silty muds; (C) wispy-laminated silty clay/clay; (D) laminated sands/silts and mud; (E) firm pebbly-sandy-mud with chaotic pebble fabrics. Other sediments include terrestrial bedrock of Paleogene Eureka Sound Group, and a younger Tertiary deposit, possibly the Beaufort Formation. Ages range from 1530 ± 60 BP (Fades A) to 9950 ± 80 BP (Fades D). Sedimentation rates vary as follows: - 0.8 cm ka-1, Fades B; 4 cm ka"\ Fades A; 90 cm ka-1, Fades C; 134 cm ka~', Fades D. The sedimentation history, as interpreted from the sedimentology, palynology and foraminiferal results, suggests intervals of more continuous ice cover, with a reduced influx of coarse ice-rafted detritus, alternating with more open water conditions, and high sediment input from meltwater and/or floating icebergs. Only marine sediments overlie Neogene bedrock in the cores. The absence of diamictons at the core sites suggests that grounded ice perhaps never occupied this part of the Axel Heiberg Island shelf. The interpreted history of sedimentation generally corresponds to the land-based record from Ellesmere Island, but differs significantly from marine-based studies in more southern latitudes.

The existence of contaminated sites in Canada has become a problem of nation-wide concern. Actions at civil and common law based on the traditional requirements of showing that property interests have been affected or personal injury has resulted are inadequate to address widespread harms arising from pollution. At the national level programs and policies have been developed to address clean-up of contaminated sites. At the provincial level legislation is being developed, directed at making persons responsible for the pollution they cause. Nonetheless, there are shortcomings under the present system in matters concerning victim redress and clean-up and restoration of contaminated sites. Victims are still struggling to obtain redress and compensation, especially in cases of defendant bankruptcy. It may be necessary as in the U.S. to create a Superfund to ensure compensation when there are orphan sites or when the defendant has become insolvent. There may be merit in establishing at the Federal level and in the other provinces a class action scheme along the lines of the Quebec model with an Assistance Fund to help litigants. In addition, there is a need to develop in legislation comprehensive requirements of clean-up and restoration of contaminated sites, that can be applied consistently nation-wide.

This paper presents a study of the recourses available in connection with litigation regarding foreign investment in the People's Republic of China and emphasizes the particularities of Chinese law. An analysis of all of the different dispute resolution mecnanisms is presented underscoring the advantages and disadvantages of each one and explaining the gradation as between themselves. Both Chinese law and international law offer various mechanisms designed to resolve different types of conflicts: meeting, conciliation, arbitration, intervention of various actors and sometimes even of the Chinese Communist Party or of some administrative officers, courts, etc. International law is analyzed from the Chinese point of view in particular with regard to the international bilateral and multibilateral treaties.

AbstractSocioenvironmental changes in Canada's northern regions are likely to have wide-ranging implications for the health of its residents. Aboriginal communities are among the first to face the direct impacts of changes, as their lifestyles tend to be more closely tied to and reliant upon the natural environment. Based on field research, this paper documents observations of socio-environmental changes made by members of the Cree Trappers Association (CTA) of the Cree of Eeyou Istchee (the traditional homeland of the Cree located in the eastern James Bay area). It also analyses their impact on hunting behaviour and consumption levels associated with two traditional food species – the Canada Goose and the woodland caribou. CTA members are witnessing changes in animal behaviour and the migration patterns of species. These in turn are affecting the consumption of traditional food, causing dietary changes at the society level, and, ultimately, impacting on human health and overall well-being.

Keywords: Socioenvironmental change, traditional food species, Cree First Nations, James Bay, Canadian subarctic, Changements socioenvironnementaux, espèces alimentaires traditionnelles, Première Nation Crie, Baie-James, subarctique canadien, Cambios socio-medio ambientales, especies alimenticias tradicionales, Primea Nación Crie, Baie James, sub-ártico canadiense