First Nation leader pleased with archeological dig

Excavation work on a 9,000 year old archeological site near the Mackenzie Inn is expected to resume shortly after the snow melts. 

Area First Nation leaders expressed frustration last year about their lack of inclusion in the project, but it appears that won't be the case this year. 

Chief Pierre Pelletier of the Red Rock Indian Band said he is satisfied that protecting the thousands of historical artifacts will now be handled in an appropriate manner. The site was discovered a few years ago when Ontario’s Ministry of Transportation initially began work to expand the highway.  

First Nation leaders had raised concerns about the consultation protocol from Lakehead University and the MTO.  

Pelletier said the university has now agreed to take on First Nation students as interns. 

The chief added that keeping the majority of the artifacts in a university collection makes sense.

Work at the site is expected to resume in May.