Tembec has resumed its excavation activities at its site in Temiscaming following the discovery of human skulls. Excavation work is proceeding according to an archeological research permit issued by the Ministère de la Culture, des Communications et de la Condition féminine du Québec and are being conducted under the supervision of Montreal-based firm Arkéos, whose anthropologists are renowned experts.

“Tembec has taken the time to undertake a detailed research of the excavation site in order to fully understand its history and to be in a position to deal with this environment with due consideration. It is very important for us to make sure that we are taking the appropriate steps and establishing the right protocol to respond adequately to this given set of circumstances,” stated Randy Fournier, Senior Vice President, Temiscaming Operations. “We are taking every precaution to ensure that we work respectfully; should we make other discoveries, archeologists who are with us, on the premises, will be able to collect the objects immediately, assess the situation knowledgeably and enable us to pursue our work accordingly,” he added.

While excavating on May 15 for construction work to be done on the new boiler #10 as part of the investment project announced last March, items of concern were discovered. Tembec immediately informed the Quebec Provincial Police who secured the excavation site and proceeded with its investigation. Following the conclusion of this process, the Police determined that the human remains were historical and non-criminal in nature. Historical documents indicate that a church and a cemetery were located within the Temiscaming site as far back as 1891. The original industrial complex was built in 1917.

Arkéos was founded in 1981 and specializes in the fields of heritage and archeology. Its expertise lies in evaluating the impact of construction projects on archeological resources and ensuring that proper mitigation solutions are put in place.

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