By Rosalind Russell – One of Northern Ontario’s most significant historical landmarks on Manitoulin Island continues to connect past and present through a collaboration between a Laurentian Professor Emeritus and a current student.
Located on Manitoulin Island, the Sheguiandah archaeological site was once the center of international debate after excavations in the 1950s suggested artifacts could date back 25,000 years.
According to the university, in the 1990s, a collaborative project brought in Dr. Patrick Julig (JEWL-eg), now a professor emeritus at Laurentian, to settle the timeline using geo-archaeology.
By analyzing soil sediments, radiocarbon dates, and ancient pollen records, Dr. Julig’s team proved human activity at the ancient quartzite quarry dates back roughly 9,500 to 10,500 years—a landmark finding published in his 2002 book and built into the exhibits at the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah.
Today, that academic legacy continues through Laurentian history student Chris Hogge, a Manitoulin local who spent the last five seasons guiding visitors through the site’s historical walking trail and interpreting the museum’s exhibits.
Hogge says they have focused on conveying the rich scientific history of the site while respecting that the cultural stories belong to local First Nations to tell.
He adds that taking complex science and making it accessible to tour groups connects directly back to what he studied in my courses.
Dr. Julig adds that seeing Laurentian students today sharing this history with the public is a wonderful continuation of that legacy.
To book a guided historical walking tour or visit the exhibits, visit shegsite.ca or contact the Centennial Museum of Sheguiandah at 705-368-2367.
Photos provided by LU
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