In a remarkable discovery, individuals gathering wild rice from Leech Lake, Minnesota’s third-largest lake, found human skeletal remains believed to be several hundred years old.
Authorities suspect that erosion has caused the remains of at least three individuals to surface along the shores of Leech Lake, located primarily within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in north-central Minnesota. The lake spans over 100,000 acres.
Historically, several tribes have inhabited this area, with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe being the most recent. The tribe’s police chief noted that such remains are periodically uncovered due to natural erosion. “They arise through the natural movement of water along the shorelines,” he stated.
Cass County Sheriff reported that the rice harvesters alerted authorities after discovering the remains on land. Harvesters typically use canoes to collect this culturally and nutritionally significant wild rice, which is important to the Ojibwe, Dakota, and other tribal communities.
Upon arrival, deputies confirmed the remains were ancient and reached out to local heritage sites for archeological assessment. The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council was also consulted to ensure the remains are handled in a culturally sensitive manner.
Besides erosion, officials noted that remains can also emerge due to construction projects. Sheriff Welk indicated that discoveries like these can occur a few times a year, or there may be gaps of several years in between findings.
Authorities emphasized the importance of contacting law enforcement if anyone encounters suspected human remains, advising against disturbing the area to preserve vital evidence and show respect for those who came before us.
