Artifacts unearthed during museum construction reveal Winnipeg site’s importance

WINNIPEG – Officials with the Canadian Museum For Human Rights have shown off some of the 400,000 artifacts found during the museum’s construction.

The building sits at the confluence of the Assiniboine and Red rivers in Winnipeg — a historic meeting place for aboriginals.

Archeologists found tools, pieces of ceramic pots, hearths and other items dating as far back as 900 years.

Museum officials say the findings reinforce that The Forks site was used by different First Nations and was a place where cultures sometimes meshed.

They say some of the pots show influences of First Nations to both the east and west.

They also say the artifacts support the idea that The Forks was a sought-after location for hunting, fishing and as a strategic base for politics and war.