On August 31, 2024, a group of wild rice harvesters made an unexpected discovery on the shores of Leech Lake in northern Minnesota. What they initially thought were ordinary rocks turned out to be human skeletal remains, estimated to be several hundred years old. The find has sparked interest among local authorities, tribal officials, and archaeologists.
Leech Lake, Minnesota’s third-largest lake covering over 100,000 acres, is primarily located within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation. The lake and surrounding area have been home to various Native American tribes throughout history, with the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe being the most recent inhabitants.
Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk reported that the wild ricers immediately contacted law enforcement after spotting the remains on land in Gould Township. Upon investigation, authorities determined that the skeletal remains belonged to at least three individuals and were likely centuries old.
Ken Washington, the police chief of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, explained that such remains typically emerge through the natural erosion process caused by water rising along the shorelines.
The discovery site is located within a known cultural area, though authorities are not disclosing its exact location to protect the integrity of the site and ongoing investigation. The Cass County Sheriff’s Office quickly secured the area and reached out to the Leech Lake Heritage Sites program, which confirmed the initial findings.
In response to the discovery, a collaborative effort has been launched involving the Cass County Sheriff’s Office, Leech Lake Tribal Police Department, and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe. Their shared goal is to ensure the remains are “preserved and ultimately restored to their original state in a timely and culturally appropriate manner,” according to a joint statement released by the agencies.
The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council has also been contacted to assist with the process, bringing their expertise in handling culturally sensitive archaeological finds.
Sheriff Welk pointed out that although these discoveries are not frequent, they do happen occasionally in the area. He explained that such finds might occur a few times annually, but there can also be gaps of several years between incidents.
Wild rice harvesting, the activity that led to this discovery, holds significant cultural importance for the Ojibwe, Dakota and other tribal communities in the area. Harvesters typically use canoes with push poles or paddles to collect the rice, which is considered spiritually, culturally, nutritionally, and economically vital to these communities.
They urge anyone who encounters suspected human remains to contact law enforcement immediately and not disturb the area. This approach not only aids in preserving potential evidence but also shows respect for the cultural and historical significance of such sites.
It’s worth noting that knowingly disturbing a suspected cultural site or cemetery can result in civil and criminal penalties. This legal framework aims to protect important historical and cultural resources from damage or desecration.
