The Huron-Wendat Nation and Archaeology in Quebec
For several years now, the Nionwentsio Office of the Huron-Wendat Nation has carried out research in archives and on oral tradition regarding the historic presence of the Huron-Wendat within their ancestral territory. The results of this work are used, notably, to protect heritage areas and identify areas of archaeological potential required as part of forest harmonization processes, and provincial and federal consultations. The Huron-Wendat Nation has become increasingly involved in archaeology in Québec, as well as in Ontario. Archaeology has been implemented recently to support the Huron-Wendat Protected Area Project in the Ya’nienhonhndeh – Lac à Moïse area, which is part of the Réserve faunique des Laurentides. In 2016 and 2017, archaeology summer schools were held in this region in collaboration with Laval University and led to significant discoveries. The use of archaeology by the Huron-Wendat Nation also raises important ethical questions, particularly regarding the policies developed by the Québec Ministry of Culture and Communications and the ownership of discovered artifacts.