Human remains found last summer near Tobermory are that of a person who walked the Earth roughly 600 years ago.
Scientific testing, including radiocarbon analysis, was used to confirm that the person lived between 1426 and 1452. The Saugeen Ojibway Environment Office shared the update over the weekend. The remains were found by archaeologists working in the area of Dunk’s Bay on the eastern side of the Bruce Peninsula on August 14, 2025.
"This confirms that the remains are those of a Saugeen Ojibway Nation Ancestor," the Saugeen Ojibway Environment Office stated. "The disturbance of ancestral remains is a matter of deep spiritual and cultural importance for Saugeen Ojibway Nation. This confirmation affirms what our people have always known, that our ancestors have lived on and cared for these lands since time immemorial."
Saugeen Ojibway Nation is working with the appropriate officials to ensure the remains are "respectfully repatriated" so next steps can proceed in accordance with the Nation's cultural protocols. It did not specify what those protocols include.
A search of the surrounding area was conducted after the remains were discovered last August. However, OPP confirmed at the time that no additional remains were found.
