Kitchener finds native village
Posted Oct 22, 2010 06:37:32 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
The City of Kitchener has stumbled upon a significant archeological find around Strasburg Creek.
Namely, evidence of a significant settlement by First Nations groups, buried under the soil where a trail is meant to cross the Creek in the south end of Huron Natural Area on Trillium Drive near Bleams and Fischer-Hallman.
An archaeological dig uncovered ten or more longhouses, ancient garbage piles and shards of pottery, pipes, spear tips and arrow heads.
Some of the artifacts found date back 500 years, others to 4,500 or even 9,000 years.
The largest longhouse is estimated to be nearly 90 metres long.
The find is indicates a late-Woodland lifestyle consisting of longhouses situated in villages, including summer homes closer to crops.
The city says this particular part of the HNA was used many times over by earlier ancestors of the Neutral tribe.
Dave Schmitt, environmental and urban forest project manager for the City of Kitchener, says in a statement, “The city has worked with Six Nations and the Ministry of Culture to put together a plan that respects and protects this site, while also providing opportunities for education and stewardship.”
The city reminds everyone this site is registered under the Heritage Act, and anyone removing an artifact and/or causing damage can be charged with the maximum fine of $1-million.
The Huron Natural Area is a 107-hectare site, and operates as a partnership between the city, and the Waterloo Region and Catholic District School Boards.
