Ground-disturbing excavation at the Boitanio Mall is set to begin today, but this time the Williams Lake First Nation will be on site to monitor activities.
During its initially construction in 1974, it was discovered that the grounds the mall was being built on were of great cultural importance to the Nation.
Located on the grounds were an archaeological site containing pit houses and cache pits, as well as a number of human burial sites.
Approximately 13 human skeletons were unearthed during the initial construction, after which they were transported to and pushed over a nearby river embankment.
Renovation work to bring 82 new rental units to the mall began in the Spring, but has not involved ground disturbing work to this point.
As the work goes on, members of the Nation will be on site to ensure work is conducted in both a legal and culturally appropriate manner.
A ceremony was held in the parking lot this morning to honour the ancestors disturbed during the initial construction.
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