Two Mohawks hired for archaeological works at new Champlain Bridge site

09/23/2014

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke (MCK) would like to inform the community that two archaeological technicians have been hired to ensure Mohawk representation at the Nun’s Island site of the new Champlain Bridge replacement project.

The site is significant, as it is in proximity to where the remains of an Indigenous girl from the 14th century were uncovered in 1995. These remains were reburied at the Mohawk Trail Longhouse.

“The Champlain bridge project required consultation with the MCK,” said Chief Christine Zachary-Deom. “There were specific accommodation requests made by us, one of which was that Mohawk archaeological technicians participate in the dig and report whatever finds are uncovered. Kahnawà:ke must have a role in how these findings are treated and interpreted. The presence of Iroquoian artifacts is key for our Territorial claims in the future.”

The technicians are from Akwesasne and have been trained over a period of years. The archaeological work is now underway and is set to continue for approximately eight (8) weeks.