The forensic unit of the Ontario Provincial Police was called in to exhume the bones. The remains were then sent to the anthropology department at Lakehead University and the coroner's office, both in Thunder Bay. Since then we have had x-rays done of the bones and of the artifacts found with the bones. DNA testing has been done and catalogued. We've had carbon-dating from the 5th rib bone as well as a complete archeological assessment and review.

We have been in consultation with the aboriginal nation to determine when and where the remains will be buried. It is our anticipation that they will be reburied in the summer of 2005 up at the cemetery.

Project Description

The aim of the project was to describe and analyze an unmarked burial and associated artifacts recovered by the Ontario Provincial Police during the summer of 2002 at what was Osnaburgh House, a former fur trade post operated by the Hudson's Bay Company. The site is now the location of a modern fishing resort known as "The Old Post and Village".

The author was contracted by Mr. John Grace, the current owner of the resort, to analyze the artifacts recovered with the burial. He was also to co-ordinate a detailed physical analysis of the burial along with DNA analysis and to obtain a radiocarbon date. This was all done with the approval and agreement of the Chief and Council of Mishkeegogamang First Nation.

Study Results

The physical analysis indicated that the remains recovered were a First Nations male approximately 40 years of age. Among the artifacts recovered with the burial was a bundle that upon excavation revealed a fire making kit. This was contained in a cloth bag and decorated with glass beads and copper tinkler cones. Other artifacts excavated with the burial were in all likelihood not directly associated with the burial.

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( ANALYSIS OF AN HISTORIC BURIAL BUNDLE FROM.OSNABURGH HOUSE )