Natives ‘occupy’ site over end to dig
Finds 3,000 years old
Aboriginal protesters have set up teepees and are inviting passersby to learn more about native history as part of an “occupation” in Gatineau after an archeological dig was recently filled in by construction workers.
The demonstrators have set up at a site in Gatineau on Rue Jacques-Cartier, close to the intersection of the Gatineau and Ottawa rivers.
The dig in question, which had found evidence of a native encampment from between 3,000 and 3,500 years ago, ended July 10. By early August, the site had been filled in as part of the Ville de Gatineau’s $43-million waterfront improvement project, partly funded by the NCC. Protesters argue the dig was filled in too quickly, and that layers of Canadian aboriginal history could be lost underneath new sewer systems that the city is installing at the site.
“We’ve turned this into a feel-good occupation,” said John Savage, an ab original rights activist who lives in the neighbourhood. “The whole community is on our side.”
Ville de Gatineau spokesman Yves Melanson said the city has met several times with the protesters, including once with the archeologist who was in charge of the dig. He said the archeologist explained that work was completed on schedule and a report with more findings would be completed this fall.
Savage said that city officials had shown interest in the idea of building a museum or interpretive centre about the area’s history. However, he questioned whether the city would take a leading role, adding that funding could be difficult to secure. The Gatineau spokesman said the city is open to installing a monument, bench or small display featuring artifacts that were found in the dig — such as arrow tips, knives, fish bones and a wooden chisel. But dedicating a museum to the site would be “a bit too presumptuous at this point in time.”
Savage said he would like to see the area declared an aboriginal district. It could include a park, a museum or small interpretive centre, design elements and street names. “Brand this area as an ancient settlement area for aboriginals. Have our people recognized in the design,” he said. “The city of Gatineau, they have a gold mine here for tourism and heritage.”
He said a lack of consultation with First Nations before waterfront construction began is symptomatic of a larger problem: According to Savage, there is no official mechanism for consultation between the Ville de Gatineau and local First Nations groups.
“This has been a rallying point for us,” Savage said. “It has awakened the spirit of the aboriginal people.”