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The Town of Halton Hills is aware that unmarked indigenous graves are within its borders and has no problem the land remains in use. The Town’s primary concern when (repeatedly) contacted, was publicity. The first thing said in response was “In our previous conversation you did not identify yourself as a journalist. Please note that media requests should be submitted in writing to (The Town).” The small town government is concerned about its image and attempts to stay on top of what information is publicized about them. To no avail. When initially contacted, the Town of Halton claimed “The land is abandoned, and not currently in use.” What information led to these claims is unknown, and goes contradictory to archeological reports, newspaper writings, and eyewitness accounts. 2 men who witnessed the 1968 dig showed a local writer to the site. One of the men had not returned since 1968, however was still immediately able to identify the site on Sheridan Nurseries property. It sits just outside a clearing in the trees off of the Bruce Trail, unmistakable. Heavy farm equipment rolls overtop buried native bones every day within Halton’s borders, the Town is aware of this and has no problem.
“The remains have all been repatriated to local First Nations groups” the Town of Halton Hills claimed, prior to publication of the first article. This however, is not true. Whether the Halton government's repeated misinformation is intentional is unknown, but concerning nonetheless. When speaking with witnesses, both unanimously agreed that the vast majority of native bones remained in the pit, and were simply recovered and forgotten. Both Sheridan Nurseries and the Town of Halton Hills were fine with the site going unrecognized, and simply going back to industrial agriculture as before, unaffected by the burial pit on site.
“The Town is not responsible for Bruce Trail signage” they continue in their email. In the Town’s eyes, The Town is not responsible for anything. “Responsibility lies with the Ministry of Heritage… You can reach out to them (yourself).” The Town of Halton Hills deflects any and all responsibility for the site, offering a litany of red tape and hoops to jump through instead. The Town did not express any concern whatsoever in any contact, deflecting all blame to other departments despite the issue being within Halton’s own borders. Officials have the power to do something themselves, or bring it forward to people who can but choose to do nothing. In deflecting blame of such issue, the Town expresses no concern towards the matter whatsoever, doing nothing productive and providing the bare amount of deflection to avoid a real day’s work.
Halton is aware of the burial site, its actual location, the presence of bones, its forgotten state, and choses to do nothing. Small town politicians have gotten comfortable with their roles and want not make progressive change- something that could affect their local reputation. Repeated misinformation on part of the local government demonstrates either blatant unawareness or attempts to hide the truth- either way concerning. The Town of Halton Hills’ poor management is disappointing, but sadly reflective of the state of Indigenous issues and local government in Canada.
Read the Original Article and it's Follow-up Here: https://9inebuzz.wixsite.com/9inebuzz/post/the-forgotten-300-huron-indigenous-remains-discovered-in-glen-williams
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