Dear members of the McGill community,
As noted in yesterday’s update, the initial stage of the archeological work on the site of the former RVH site has been completed. These efforts were led by archeologists possessing the expertise recommended by an independent panel of experts (“the Panel”), and McGill takes the view that the work has been conducted in full compliance with the Panel’s recommendations and with the Settlement Agreement reached last April between McGill University, the Société québécoise des infrastructures (SQI), the Kanien’keha:ka Kahnistensera, also known as the Mohawk Mothers, and several other parties.
McGill and the SQI are now proceeding to a new phase at the site, which involves infrastructure work to render various buildings operationally autonomous. Some of this work involves drilling and excavation and, in accordance with the Panel’s recommendations, it will be subject to archeological monitoring.
The Settlement Agreement indicates that the Mohawk Mothers may appoint a cultural monitor (or monitors) to be present at the site to oversee archeological work, and that has been followed until now. The Mohawk Mothers very recently communicated that they and their cultural monitors will not be present at the site as this new phase of work begins, and that is their right.
This new phase of work will be completed over the next several months.
We will continue to provide regular updates to the McGill community on our efforts and our findings, and encourage anyone who would like more information and updates to consult this FAQ page, which includes the Settlement Agreement and more details on the processes that were followed to conduct the investigation.
Sincerely,
Christopher Manfredi
Provost and Vice-Principal (Academic)