Ancient Indian ossuary found

An ancient Indian burial ground believed to contain hundreds of skeletal remains was inadvertently discovered by a backhoe operator in Midland, Ont., while digging beside a tourist attraction of a recreated native village.

Police, the local coroner, archeologists and First Nations elders were called to the site beside Huron Village after the previously unknown grave site, from about 1500 AD, was uncovered on Thursday during construction of a community arena.

"I've been an archeologist for 35 years and it is rather ironic that just 75 feet from my office is an undetected, undisturbed Huron ossuary," said Jamie Hunter, curator of the museum and village.

Posted by David on June 2, 2003 2:27 PM