Archaeological sites.
Details of Site Location: Several sites were located on lands that formed the original sand spit.
PDM: Borden # AjGu 12.
Boundary History: The sites are scattered and each is smal;l.
Current Use: The area has been altered, mainly by parks development and landscaping.
Historical Description: It is well known that the Toronto Island was regarded by all First Nations as a sacred place of healing. Over many centuries, families and bands came to the Island to camp and look after their sick and dying. Elizabeth Simcoe noted several times in her diary the burial place of one Indian and the encampment of others. The Indians she met there were Mississaugas. One member of the Mississaugas of the New Credit, was born on the Island, and there were probably other births as well. The Mississaugas of the New Credit were the inhabitants of the Toronto region at the time the region was taken over by the British. In the Toronto Purchase negotiations with the government officials, the Islands were never ceded, and negotiations to settle this land claim are currently under way between the Government of Canada and the Mississaugas of the New Credit. Charles Garrad of the Ontario Archaeological Society researched some of the Island and Konrad identified some sites in 1971 / 1972. The New Credit people had their culture almost totally destroyed but have and elders group who are trying to collect information about their years in the region. The historian and land claims researcher at New Credit is also doing detailed research and analysis based upon local sources and documents from the Public Archives of Canada and the Department of Indian Affairs.
Relative Importance: The Toronto Islands are of considerable significance to the Mississaugas of the New Credit. They should be subject to a detailed archaeological survey.
Planning Implications: At the ferry docks and RCYC docks, it is strongly recommended that plaques be mounted explaining the sacred naturee of the Island and its centuries old use by First Nations. The notice should also include information about the burials. This plaquing should be done as soon as possible.
Reference Sources: Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation; The Rousseau Project / Le Project Rousseau; Victor A. Konrad, The Archaeological Resources of the Metropolitan Toronto Planning Area: Inventory and Prospect (Department of Geography, York University, Discussion Paper Series #10, 1973); Maps Project
Acknowledgments: Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation; The Rousseau Project / Le Project Rousseau; Maps Project; Ontario Archaeological Society, Toronto Chapter. [4/22/2020 Note: The Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation changed their name to the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation on January 8, 2019]