Artifacts found at National Marine Conservation construction area in Nipigon (PHOTO CREDIT: Leigh Nunan)
A First Nation in northwestern Ontario plans to host a peaceful demonstration over assertions multiple levels of government are hindering their search for ancestral remains at a construction site in Nipigon.
In May, human remains were found at the site of Parks Canada’s future Administration and Visitor Centre for the Lake Superior National Marine Conservation Area, halting construction on the $37-million project.
In a release issued Thursday, Red Rock Indian Band (RRIB) Chief Allan Odawa Jr. said they are being met with resistance and a lack of accountability.
The chief went on to add he believes Parks Canada did not have an archaeologist on-site during the excavation. Parks Canada has not confirmed those allegations.
“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 where we are searching through loads and loads of earth,” said Odawa Jr. “I can confidently say, this would never happen with a settler cemetery. We need to see major legislative changes that provide us the rights to protect our ancestors, regardless of who currently occupies the land.”
Carbon dating determined the remains of the Indigenous ancestor were buried pre-contact (roughly 1404 AD).
Our newsroom has reached out to Parks Canada for comment in advance of the demonstration which is set for Monday.
“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 of Nipigon,” said the Anishinabek Nation Head Office in a release. “Sadly, an estimated 150 loads of earth were moved from the site and relocated before an Environmental Monitor for Red Rock Indian Band who was on site could take action.”
The community has been advocating for a written commitment from Parks Canada to not build in their selected area.
“What occurred at this site speaks to the larger systemic issues of settler entities having control over our land and in turn, over our ancestors,” said Anishinabek Nation Grand Council Chief Linda Debassige. “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.”
Investigations are underway at the site where the earth from the construction area was transported. However, RRIB says there is a discrepancy regarding the amount of earth moved and its location.
“As of October 15, 2024, there are nearly 60 loads of earth moved from the original site that are unaccounted for with no additional ancestors uncovered since August, leading the community to believe that the missing ancestors’ remains could be in these unaccounted for loads of earth,” added the Anishinabek Nation Head Office. “Red Rock Indian Band has independently spent months tracking down soil, which should be meticulously documented by the contractor and land owner. Red Rock Indian Band continues to hold Parks Canada and its contractors accountable as it continues to provide unclear information surrounding the unaccounted-for earth.”
Parks Canada confirmed the discovery of human remains on May 21, and said that construction was paused immediately.
More information on the timing and location of the demonstration has not been revealed.
