A construction crew in Mistissini has unearthed remains of three people in an old burial site that may date back to the early 1800s.
The skeletons were discovered Thurs., Sept. 23 near the lake. Two homes are being built at the spot under a private home ownership program.
Chief Kenny Loon, who had been out in the bush, ordered a halt to the construction Wednesday morning. “Obviously it’s a big concern. We had several calls from Elders asking us to do something about the situation. It’s a very delicate matter.”
One resident who called The Nation said, “If they’re going to go ahead with the housing project, it would be totally disrespecting the site.” A public meeting was called with the Elders’ council. They decided to continue construction and move the bones to a new site. Up to seven other people may be buried there.
