The Marpole Midden and Improper methods of excavation

(Some artifacts that were found during the Marpole excavation) 

I was doing research for a paper in my Indigenous studies class that focuses on death practices and burials locations in Coast Salish territories when I came across a paper on the Marpole Midden and since it references both archaeological and First Nations information I thought why not kill two birds with one stone? 

The Marpole Midden was unearthed in the 1880s near the Fraser Valley River while road expansion was taking place. A shell midden can be described as a layering of deposits that include shell remains, bone fragments (animal mostly), and cultural elements such as stone tools, jewellery and artwork (Roy, 2006).  The midden was described as being a large village that housed many inhabitants for a long period of time (Roy, 2006). The Marpole culture is dated from around 1,500 to 2,900 years ago. The Marpole Midden is located near the Musqueam peoples territory. Evidence suggests that these peoples may been their ancient ancestors (Roy, 2006). The site was mined of its cultural importance on my occasions without any say form the neighboring indigenous communities. Thousands of skeletal remains were removed from this site over the decades, as well as carved bone, stone implements, ceremonial copper and beads (Roy, 2006). Many of the skeletal remains that were removed from the site were intended to be put on display in museums around the country. On many occasions there was not enough space for some of the remains, which lead them to be discarded without any proper thought or care (Roy, 2006). This site due to the time that it was being excavated was not properly processed. Cultural sensitivities were ignored; the Musqueam peoples had no input on what was being done to their ancestor’s remains. The site was processed poorly leading to destroyed artifacts and human remains. In 1991the Musqueam people purchased the Fraser Arms Hotel (Roy, 2006), the land in which midden was discovered. The Musqueam hoped by purchasing this land the destruction of their ancestors and their remains would be persevered from future disruption from outside forces. This is not the first case in which cultural sensitivities have been ignored when addressing indigenous archaeological sites. In many instances there is little care when processing First Nations territories. If historical sites stand in the way of a political campaign or developer many injustices and illegal action take place in order to get the outcome that is desired. More attention must be brought forward when these incidences occur to stop robbing indigenous populations of their cultural heritage. I believe that First Nations have been mistreated from the time of European arrival in Canada. We have stripped them from their culture and put buildings on top of sacred sites. This country was technically theres until we showed up and discredited everything they had built. We have consumed their culture and have made a mockery of their traditions and customs. No one would ever be allowed to walk into Ross bay and dig up thousands of graves and just discard of the bodies or put them on display in museums without gaining some sort of permission. No company would also be allowed to dig up graves in order to put a strip mall without facing lengthy legal processes. But somehow governments pass laws that allow this to happen to First Nations burial sites. There is a double standard when it comes respecting the sanctity of First Nations and their burial locations. Too many of these sites have been desecrated and its the First Nations that lose their cultural rights and heritage. 

Link to the paper:

http://ojs.library.ubc.ca/index.php/bcstudies/article/viewArticle/671
Link to image:
http://www.museumofvancouver.ca/programs/blog/2012/10/2/movments-usual-and-not-so-usual-suspects