To Comment on this article Click Here

I attended unveiling of last year's dig on the north side of the Saugeen River on Rankin St. The dig was the  result of findings on the sewer project.

After many meeting Chief Randall (Kahgee) and Mayor Mike Smith had an agreement in place with the Town of Saugeen Shores and on the first dig, about an hour into it the monitor  yells "Stop Everything" On March 29th real cooperation begins.

It is significant find and I highly recommend a tour of Museum to view it.

It has everything from bones, implements, pottery chards, dog bone bundles, a zoological research team results on various birds/species from,a long time ago, trading items from the Sault Ste. Marie zone; Ohio & Detroit zones, Beaver Valley and Lake Erie.

They went further than required on meshing (only 1/4 inch required in Canada) to window screen size and as a result found beading, ring fragments, larger beaded bracelets and more.

A story of survival and ancestry from 2,000 years ago (the time of Christ). Lots of Smoking Pipe sides of broken bowls.

I think the Town and First Nations should be complimented on the earnestness they bought into a new relationship on this project. The corner lot for sale I believe has been designated so no heavy equipment can be used on land.

Great slide presentation by the Head archeologist--a woman and Dr. Bill Fitzgerald was also prominent but did not speak.

The drumming/dancing/songs/costumes and the Elder Vern Root's address followed by two Chiefs was very memorable.
 

Chief Randall spoke that the intent was "protection" of his ancestors (we have to forget "surrender" in new dialogue)

The awarding medal pins for all the helpers 'on-watch' protecting and the research afterwards in order that they could open the exhibit looking out on a Beautiful
Fairy Lake backdrop was a big accomplishment for Museum.


Prayers in Anishinabe tongue to the Spirits in four directions and to everyman's 'Creator', comments to the children; humour, learning so much----

A worthwhile 3 hours for me that I wanted to share. Very strong character and humble at the same time.

Some dates:
 

• 1670- They think they've found ring of two Sulpician Priests who stopped at Saugeen that year.
• 1820- Bayfield maps up to 5 miles up river
• 1851 Robt. Foord who recommended no harbour possible south side (but it was Nov. storms when he wrote that)
• 1944 Shutt dig first digs
• 1954 Tom Lee (slide of son's inherited field notes shown)
• 2010 March 29th, 2011 the sewer project results in new findings.

Gordon Boyd Southampton

Survey Participate in our latest Kincardine Times survey

Survey Participate in our latest Saugeen Times survey

Survey Participate in our latest Walkerton News survey

  1

^{for world news, books, sports, movies ...}

Sunday, August 07, 2011