Indigenous burial grounds in northern Ont. to be protected

Ancient burial grounds in the Town of Blind River will soon be marked, and blocked off to the public.

A special council meeting was held Monday night in the town, allowing for officials with Mississauga First Nation to educate residents on the history of the area.

In total, 16 burial mounds have been identified on the Huron Pines Golf Course. A working group with representatives from the First Nation and the town was recently formed to guide the work.

"When the archeological surveys were done, the sites were supposed to be preserved,” said Mississauga First Nation Chief Brent Niganobe.

“However, due to some shabby archeological work, they were not. And some of those sites were unfortunately destroyed. With that, we see a lot of, unfortunately, some history and some ceremonial spots. I mean, now the burial mounds (that) are there are important to us (for) the way we see history as First Nations.”

"These decisions didn't happen under today's governing body,” said Blind River Mayor Sally Hagman.

“We recognize the importance of tackling uncomfortable truths, and this would be one of them. And so as a council, we (want) to move forward with the actions of the past. We acknowledge what has happened.”

Temporary fencing around the burial mounds is being put up immediately, and plans for something permanent, as well as increased education is being discussed by the working group.

The group's next meeting is in September.

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