First Nations remains to be reburied on Gulf Island

The Saanich First Nations will rebury the remains of dozens of their ancestors in a special ceremony Tuesday morning in the Gulf Islands on the South Coast of B.C.

"Our belief, as First Nation people, is that we're going to put our ancestors to rest in there, and we believe that there will be peace and harmony within Poets Cove," said Simon Smith, an elder with the Saanich First Nations.
 
Five years ago, the bones were uncovered while crews were building a swimming pool for a luxury resort at Poets Cove on South Pender Island.

Now the bones of about 60 people, some up to 2,500 years old, will be buried in a casket about 30 metres from where they were found, overlooking the scenic harbour at Poets Cove.
 
"Our ancestors chose that site for the same reason that Poets Cove chose that site — for its natural beauty," said Gwen Underwood, a councillor with the Tsawout First Nations.

Smith was one of 15 band members who helped archaeologists recover the remains.

"It was a very emotional feeling when we first came out here and found the remains. We were very happy when Poets Cove phoned us and told us they want to put everything at rest out here at their property," said Smith.

Actually handling the bones was a difficult emotional experience for Smith and others involved.

"I don't know how to describe it, but we know what it is. We know what it is as soon as we pick it up. We know the difference between remains and animal bones," said Smith.

Last year, Poets Cove Resort & Spa was fined $50,000 after pleading guilty to violating the Heritage Conservation Act for excavating and damaging the First Nations site.