Northern Ont. First Nation protests after ancestral remains found during excavation

An Indigenous group in northwestern Ontario shut down Highway 11/17 for a couple of hours Monday morning in protest after ancestral remains were found at a construction site.

While excavating the site of a $37 million administration and visitor centre for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area in Nipigon in May, Indigenous remains were uncovered.

"To date, four Indigenous ancestors have been uncovered; however, the remains are incomplete due to much of the original burial land being so heavily disturbed during the excavation that was then distributed to multiple locations throughout the township," the Anishinabek Nation said in a news release last week.

"Sadly, an estimated 150 loads of earth were moved from the site and relocated before an environmental monitor for Red Rock Indian Band (RRIB) who was on site could take action."

As of Oct. 15, nearly 60 loads of that earth are still unaccounted for.

"The community simply wants to find its ancestors, but the lack of accountability for where the earth has been moved to demonstrates that this is not a priority for all parties involved," Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige said in a news release.

One of the partial remains was confirmed to be from approximately 1404 AD, pre-contact, Anishinabek Nation said.

"There was significant reason to believe that this area was historically noteworthy and could likely have held archaeological artifacts or remains," the organization that represents 39 Ontario First Nations said.

"RRIB understands that despite this, Parks Canada did not have an archaeologist on-site during the excavation and did not follow the steps outlined in its own document, Unearthing the Law."

Parks Canada said it recognizes the discovery has been painful and distressing to band members, but that it "diligently followed all protocols," in an email statement to CTVNewsNorthernOntario.ca on Monday.

More than 80 archeological test pits were reviewed as part of the impact assessment for the project.

The federal department said excavation began this spring after "several years of design, planning and consultation on the project with Red Rock Indian Band and other Indigenous communities."

Conceptual drawing of the new administration and visitor centre for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area in Nipigon. (Parks Canada)

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"Upon uncovering evidence of ancestral remains, Parks Canada halted construction and has worked with Red Rock Indian Band, local authorities and terrestrial archeology professionals to ensure proper and respectful steps were followed," Parks Canada said.

"After the first chance finding, which turned out to be an animal bone, Parks Canada worked with Red Rock Indian Band to hire an environmental monitor from their community for the remainder of the excavation and project."

Red Rock Chief Allan Odawa Jr. said legislative changes are necessary to enable First Nations to protect their ancestors.

"Had someone been there who is trained to watch for remains, we very likely would have our ancestors intact instead of taking part in this morbid scavenger hunt," Odawa Jr. said.

"I can confidently say, this would never happen with a settler cemetery."

Parks Canada said while it is beyond its jurisdiction, the department has "advocated for the return of materials from private properties and continues to work with landowners and provincial departments to locate and return all ancestral remains."

Further progress has been made in the past week, Parks Canada said, but did not elaborate on specifics.

Red Rock Indian Band held a peaceful protest Monday morning with a gathering at the band office on Highway 11 followed by a 1.2-kilometre walk to the Nipigon River Bridge at the Highway 11/17 junction.

"RRIB believes that this action is necessary to bring awareness to the ongoing neglect of our heritage and the importance of repatriating our ancestors," the band said.

"This is a call not only for justice for our people but for recognition of the responsibilities that institutions like Parks Canada hold towards Indigenous communities."

Parks Canada said it is looking at potential alternate locations in Nipigon for the future site of the administration and visitor centre.

Mental health support for all Indigenous Peoples is available 24/7 through Hope for Wellness Helpline via online chat and phone [phone].