Lakehead, Indigenous representatives excavate 4,000-year-old archaeological site

Lakehead University faculty and students partnered with First Nations and Métis community members to excavate a 4,000-year-old archaeological site, positioned beside the McIntyre River. The dig–located on the traditional territory of the Fort William First Nation, who approved the project–revealed historic evidence of people quarrying and using local materials to make tools. The hands-on-training opportunity was the result of a collaboration between Lakehead’s Department of Anthropology, the Niijii Indigenous Mentorship Program, Woodland Heritage Northwest, the Ontario Archaeological Society, and Parks Canada. Alongside this project, an Indigenous Archaeological Technician training program took place, which was developed by the Woodland Heritage Northwest and the Ontario Archaeological Society for the Waasigan Transmission Line project.