August 30, 2005

Human remains dug up at construction sites, returned for traditional burial

In a ceremony not seen in Edmonton for over 100 years, eight caskets containing human remains were returned to their original resting place in the Traditional Burial Grounds and Fort Edmonton cemetery in the Rossdale area of Edmonton’s river valley.

“We are honouring the people who laid the foundations for our city so many years ago,” explains Edmonton Mayor Stephen Mandel. “The Aboriginal, Metis, French Canadian and European settlers buried there should not have been forgotten. We will respectfully return the remains that were removed over the years and we will protect the cemetery area so it cannot be disturbed again.”

The site served as Fort Edmonton’s cemetery throughout much of the nineteenth century and was a traditional Aboriginal burial ground long before contact with the Europeans. Over the past century, the site has undergone several periods of construction during which human remains were removed.

Descendents of people buried in the area and many community stakeholders planned the ceremonial aspects of the event, ensuring the cultural and religious traditions of their communities are respected.

The ceremony drew on burial rituals used in the nineteenth century when Fort Edmonton was in operation. The re-interment ceremony began with a traditional funeral procession with the remains carried by a red river cart and horse-drawn wagons.

A multi-faith ceremony representing the cultures of those buried in the cemetery followed.

Sunday’s ceremony was a significant milestone in the process of commemorating the burial site. Construction will begin this fall on permanent memorial to mark the location.

“Descendents and stakeholders have been the driving force behind properly commemorating this site,” said Mandel. “Along with local elders, they designed what was a very special, moving service.”

Canadian Press

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