Dozens of people gathered next to a south Okanagan orchard Thursday to protest a delay in the Lower Similkameen Indian Band’s ability to recover and rebury ancestral remains that were discovered there.
A Cawston, B.C. farmer was clearing his land in February 2016 when he found the bones.
The band was allowed to temporarily access the private property to recover about 500 bone fragments, which are believed to belong to between seven and nine individuals.
However, the work to recover the remains is not finished. For it to continue, the orchardist needs to sign off on a permit which he has yet to do.
“It’s our responsibility to protect and take care of them,” said Chief Keith Crow of the Lower Similkameen Indian Band.
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“When they’re desecrated like this, it’s our responsibility to make sure they’re put back to rest properly.”
Thursday’s rally was an expression of demonstrators’ frustration over the delay.
“Anytime First Nation burial grounds are impacted by development or dug up, the adjacent First Nation — if not First Nations across the country—is going to stand up for that,” said Chief Clarence Louie of the Osoyoos Indian Band.
Global News has reached out to the property owner. He has yet to respond to calls for comment.
Meanwhile, the province said it plans to go to court to try get a restoration order “so the human remains can be protected.”
“If approved by the courts, it will direct the property owners to restore the site and undertake the required conservation work,” said the government in a written statement.
“We respect the significant impact this issue has had on the Lower Similkameen Indian Band community. We also recognize how important it is for them to repatriate their ancestors in a culturally appropriate way.”
Chief Crow said that with or without permission, the band will return to the property on Sept. 11 with archaeologists to finish off the reclamation work and give the remains a proper reburial.
– with files from Blaine Gaffney
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