Canadian Museum of Civilization repatriates human remains to Akwesasne MohawkHull, Quebec, November 10, 1998 — In a spirit of ongoing cooperation between the Canadian Museum of Civilization and First Nations, an important event occurred on November 6, 1998. A large collection of human remains from the Roebuck archaeological site, located in southeastern Ontario, was transferred to the Mohawk Nation Council of Chiefs at Akwesasne for re-burial. Re-burial ceremonies took place at Akwesasne, led by the chiefs and faith-keepers. Canadian Museum of Civilization staff, led by Dr. David Morrison (Curator-in-Charge of Archaeology) and Dr. Jean-Luc Pilon (Curator of Ontario Archaeology) were in attendance at the funeral, which was based on traditional protocol.
The Roebuck site is located near Prescott, Ontario, and was excavated by archaeologist W.J. Wintemberg in 1912 and 1915. It dates to about A.D. 1450–1500, and comprises the remains of a large St. Lawrence Iroquois village. The remains of over eighty individuals were recovered. Their transfer marks the successful conclusion of negotiations launched by the Mohawk Council of Chiefs and the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne nearly eighteen months ago.
This is one of the largest repatriations of human remains by a Canadian institution. The Canadian Museum of Civilization participates in several repatriations each year but such events are announced only with the full agreement of the First Nations community concerned, and then usually only after the repatriation or re-burial ceremony, which is a private and sacred event.
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