Mohawk burial ground could stall Champlain construction

A newly-discovered Mohawk burial ground could lead to delays in building the new Champlain Bridge.

The federal government announced this week it would replace the aging bridge. But a pre-feasibility study published last February mentions a Mohawk burial ground on Nun's Island, south of Montreal, and it says the site would be directly in the path of a new bridge.

Liberal infrastructure critic Denis Coderre said he's worried it could lead to lengthy negotiations that could stall the project.

"When we find out that there is a Mohawk cemetery there, you will have discussions, negotiations between the Mohawk nation and the government of Canada," he said. "It can provide some other problems, time-frame speaking."

Coderre said he wonders whether the Conservative government considered those discussions before projecting a 10-year timeline for the bridge.

The Mohawk Council of Kahnawake on Montreal's south shore only learned of the burial grounds recently. Spokesperson Joe Delaronde said the community does not plan to stand in the way of a new bridge and is ready to discuss the issue with the government.

"The ball is in their court," he said. "We're certainly not looking to be a thorn in anyone's side, and the bridge is not going to be built next week. But if they wish to begin the consultation right away and work it out, this could be done in fairly short order."

A Supreme Court of Canada ruling requires the government to consult aboriginal communities before construction begins on any major project. Delaronde is urging the government to act soon.

"They know that the duty to consult is there," he said. "Do it sooner and then you can move forward with the other work that has to be done."

Little is known about the Nun's Island burial ground. Delaronde said the community may recommend the bodies be moved to the Kahnawake reserve.