The archaeological inventory carried out in recent weeks on the grounds of the Société des alcools du Québec (SAQ) for fear of the potential presence of anonymous children’s graves did not reveal any human bones.
The work, which was suspended last January after the Committee of Institutionalized Orphans of Duplessis and the Kanien’keha:ka Kahnistensera (Mohawk Mothers) group had put forward this hypothesis, will resume the week of May 13, said the SAQ. Thursday, via press release.
The land for the new Montreal Automated Center (CAM) is located near the former Saint-Jean-de-Dieu hospital.
“Since the beginning of this eminently sensitive matter for all parties concerned, the SAQ has committed to doing things well and demonstrating transparency,” affirmed the SAQ.
The SAQ called on the archeology consulting firm Arkéos. The objective of the process was to determine whether there were human bones present on the CAM site and, if so, to treat them appropriately and respectfully.
The work took place entirely in the presence of observers representing the institutionalized orphans of Duplessis and the Mohawk Mothers.
Expert conclusions
The experts concluded that the bones and bone fragments found on the future CAM site are of animal origin and that the investigated area was strictly used for agricultural purposes until its sale to the SAQ.
Other archaeological inventory work is planned in an area located at the heart of the SAQ’s current daily activities.
“Despite the absence of human bones on this portion of the land, the SAQ recognizes that a painful part of history may have taken place in the past in the place where its activities are now located. She is also committed to recognizing this chapter of history on her property, at the end of the CAM expansion work, by working jointly with these two groups to determine the form that this commemorative space will take. -it was added.
