Respecting the Past: Archaeology and Aboriginal Burial Grounds

Summary

In September 2013, the creation of a large burial ground resulted from the aftermath of decades of archaeological investigations by the University of Toronto in the twentieth century. These projects were related to studying the burial practices and conducting population studies of the Wendat in Ontario. These large, mass burial pits known as ossuaries were observed historically by French explorers and missionaries (e.g. Samuel Champlain, Gabriel Sagard). This paper will discuss the development of best practices and aboriginal engagement that led to the creation of the Thonnakona (King of Kanatha) cemetery and the reburial of 13 ossuaries representing the remains of over 1,700 ancestors.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for Historical Archaeology 2014   •
• Archaeology and the Evolution of the Cultural Traditions of 16th-17th Century Wendat Sites

Individual & Institutional Roles

Contact(s): Society for Historical Archaeology

Record Identifiers

PaperId(s): SYM-74,01