Huron Wendat First Nation Grand Chief Konrad Sioui says he is hopeful that an upcoming meeting with Barrie Mayor Jeff Lehman will address concerns that the Allandale Station was built on a native burial ground.
"I had a good discussion with the mayor of Barrie and we are going to meet here in the days to come to discuss the issue and come up with solutions that are going to be good for everyone," Sioui said.
"We're not looking at any kind of a confrontation. On the contrary, we are looking at more solutions that are going to be helpful for the future and at the same time correct a wrong that might have been done."
The city received a letter from Sioui last Thursday, expressing his concerns, and Lehman called the grand chief Friday.
“The city of Barrie has always carefully followed processes, the applicable legislation and any direction provided by the province of Ontario to ensure protection of the archeological potential of the site,” said Rebecca James-Reid, executive director of the city's Access Barrie.
However, Sioui says the Huron Wendat First Nation wants an independent investigation.
Sioui says the Allandale Station site and the burial grounds that are found there are sacred and must be protected.
“We deeply lament this immense desecration of our ancestors,” he said, adding the Huron-Wendat human remains must never be disturbed.
The land includes Allandale Waterfront GO Station, the restored Allandale Station and city property slated for redevelopment.
"There is no construction occurring on this site that requires disturbances of the soil at this time and none will be commenced pending further discussions with the Huron-Wendat Nation," James-Reid said.
