Dig proposed at FRHP
By Jason Roessle - Mission City Record
Published: July 23, 2008 6:00 PM
An archeological dig is being proposed for an area in Fraser River Heritage Park.
The proposal is in the preliminary negotiation stages right now, said Dr. Stanley Copp, the chair of the sociology and archeology department at Vancouver’s Langara College.
Between 1882 and the 1960s, the St. Mary’s Mission and Residential School used the embankment of D’Herbomez Creek as a garbage dump, and Copp said excavating that site would help show “what went on in the lives of priests, nuns and students.”
The archeologist walked the area earlier this year with his wife, also an archeologist, and found a few artifacts that were likely remnants from the dump.
Copp said there could be some interesting finds if the project is approved.
“The archeological record can provide alternative views to the historical record,” he offered.
Copp hopes to make this more of a public archeological project whereby viewing platforms may be able to be built so local residents can watch the archeologists at work.
Copp will be meeting with Sto:lo officials Aug. 8, and hopes to get the go ahead from them. He will also be seeking permission from the municipality, OMI and Department of Fisheries and Oceans.
“Nothing may happen until next year,” he advised.
