More historical human remains have been discovered near the St. Andrews lock and dam site in Lockport, Man., after an initial discovery was made late last month during construction in the area.

Peguis First Nation Chief Glenn Hudson said early investigations suggest the remains belong to two teenagers, found within a few feet of each other.

“To find two bodies that close together, I’m sure there are others in that area,” he said.

The province is now investigating in accordance with provincial laws, Hudson says, and carbon dating will be carried out to find out more about when the teens may have lived and died.

Last month, police were called to the area on the banks of the Red River, 27 kilometres north of Winnipeg, after human remains were discovered while work to the bridge on the dam structure was being done.

They were determined to be archeological in nature, RCMP said at the time. 

A second set of remains was found on Sept. 10, Hudson said, and elders from Peguis First Nation held ceremonies for each, lighting a four-day sacred fire. 

The area is part of the traditional lands of Peguis First Nation. Peguis’s reserve was relocated from the former St. Peter’s reserve site, which was north of Selkirk.

“There are other descendants in the area — the Métis, obviously, and going back, Brokenhead [First Nation] also has used that area in the past. These are things that we’re trying to research and figure that out,” said Hudson.

Construction work in the immediate area has been stopped while archeologists investigate, Hudson said.

The investigation may also extend into Lockport Provincial Heritage Park, which is just metres away from where the remains were found.

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