Imagine discovering before the construction of a Catholic church that on its building site, a team of archeologists had found close to 800 artifacts witnessing to a human presence some 9,000 years ago. What impact would this discovery have?
In harmony with National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21, 2025, Holy Spirit parish in Stittsville hosted an event to reveal the 800 artifacts which were the result of an archeological survey dating back to November 2006 prior to the approval of the church’s construction, located at Shea and Abbott near the Trans-Canada trail.
Dick Lalande, a parishioner with Indigenous ancestry from the North Bay region was the inspiration behind the event with a reputable archeologist as keynote speaker, Dr. Mike Moloney. He explained to everyone present, including City Councillor Glen Gower and Carleton MP Bruce Fanjoy, the importance of the discovery. Most of the artifacts were highly refined tools developed by humans in the area before great European civilizations, like the Greeks and Romans had progressed that far.
Upon being greeted, people were invited to a smudge which is an Indigenous purification ritual, and treated to a cedar-pine berry tea from an Indigenous recipe prepared by the Knights of Columbus. In addition the Catholic Women’s League prepared a variety of Bannock often associated with Indigenous peoples. The event also honoured the farmers and settlers who founded Stittsville in 1818 by providing an overview of the community’s history.
Father Geoff Kerslake, pastor of Holy Spirit parish, blessed a two-paneled wooden plaque, which bears a wood-burned inscription honouring Creation and brings together all peoples on this land. With a nod to land acknowledgement and reconciliation, it invites all to respectfully share the gifts of the Creator.
This commemorative plaque will continue to remind the faithful that these sacred grounds sheltered many generations of Indigenous before the colonizers’ arrival and therefore reminds us of the responsibility to follow in their footsteps, to be grateful and respectful stewards of our Common Home.
