City staff are addressing a dispute regarding ancient Indigenous remains found on January 5, 2024, on Withrow Avenue during construction work. This area has historical significance, with communal gravesites discovered as early as 1886. Ten of eleven consulted Indigenous groups support a plan to monitor the burial site and ensure respectful handling of the remains. The city aims for engagement with all Indigenous groups. Following the discovery, work ceased, law authorities took control, and an anthropologist confirmed the remains are of Indigenous origin, prompting the city to protect the site.
The remains were found on Jan. 5, 2024, on Withrow Avenue in Riverdale by a city contractor working on a water service line. The area has been known to be an archeological site since at least 1886, when crews excavating the initial construction of Withrow Avenue found communal gravesites in the area.
Will Johnston, deputy city manager for infrastructure services, said on Monday that 10 out of 11 Indigenous groups consulted are on board with a plan to handle the remains and help monitor the burial site process.
Johnston stated, "We recognize the need to conduct this process with the utmost sensitivity and respect and with meaningful communication and engagement with Indigenous and First Nations as a top priority."
The provincial registrar for the funeral, burial and cremation services directed the city to protect the site and to investigate after an anthropologist determined the remains were human, ancient and likely of Indigenous origin.
#indigenous-remains #toronto-discovery #archaeological-site #indigenous-consultation #historical-significance
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