Archaeology in the Rouge

Explorations along the Rouge, and Duffins Creek, have uncovered many First Nations Sites dating back as far as the 1300's. A site; called Bead Hill; was first explored in 1960 by the ROM. It was rediscovered by archaeologist Dana Poulton and examined in 1991. It turned out to be an intact 1600 Haudenosaunee Village. The location has been kept secret to prevent looting.

First Nations Peoples have lived in this area for at least 6000 years. They lived along the banks of the Rouge River, with many historical references being made to a Seneca Village just east of the mouth of the Rouge called Ganatsekywagon. However nothing has been found but a few artifacts handed down by descendants of the pioneer Cowan family. " Mr. Poulton believes Bead Hill is the site, because of artifacts found, including trade beads and a 1655 Louis the Fourteenth coin."

Marian Martin; researcher; believes that Ganatsekywagon is still hidden somewhere on the bluffs that overlook the Lake at the mouth of the Rouge. Just this year another burial site was uncovered on the west side the Rouge River. It may have been part of a nearby agricultural village that is located on the east side of the Rouge. This sister site remains untouched.

The Haudenosaunee People ( people of the Long house ) and Wendat People; built villages and farmed the land surrounding their villages. They would have grown squash, beans, and corn ( Called the Three Sisters or "deohako" life supporters " ) to supplement a diet of meat, fish, wild berries and nuts. When the land became depleted., they would move on. The Haudenosaunee People placed their dead on wooden platforms (or in the winter under the long house). When a village was moved, perhaps every 15 to 20 years, they would hold a Feast of the Dead; and place all the remains in a fur lined Ossuary.

There was a much earlier village found in 1959; near Duffins Creek at a point which would have been the north shore line of Ancient Lake Iroquois; it too showed evidence of palisades. Just north of the mouth of Duffins Creek on what was the Squires property, arrow heads, spear points, stone knives and axes were found dating back to the Laurentian Period. First Nation Peoples have lived here for some time.