Archaeologists have unearthed ancestral human remains in layers of soil at a Deep Bay construction site.
According to Qualicum First Nations Chief Michael Recalma, they could have been buried at the scene centuries ago.
“Under the ground, you never know what you’re going to find. You don’t,” said Chief Michael Recalma of the Qualicum First Nation.
What is now known as Deep Bay was once a large First Nations summer fishing village — a location that Recalma said many discoveries of remains and artifacts have been made over the years.
These latest ancestral human remains were discovered when the owner of the property prepared to dig a foundation for a new home.
“We learn more about our past. Everybody has a story and this is part of presumably retelling their lives, like how old they are, when they were here and are they all the same age. Why were they put in there in that particular fashion,” said Recalma.
The dig has been underway for a week. Under the watch of the Qualicum First Nation, the ground has been carefully sifted through, to find anything large and small that can be recovered. Efforts to show reverence for what lies here, that it is people’s ancestors, not simply remains.”
“They should be treasured. They are treasures you know. They were buried here,” said Deep Bay resident John Brillon.
“I think the whole thing is a find and is just a glimpse into the past,” said Chief Recalma.
The search of the Deep Bay site is continuing.
Skye Ryan
