Man wants to know fate of remains unearthed from Scholten Hill

Rob Demarais is attempting to locate the remains of First Nations who were believed buried on Scholten Hill, in Medicine Hat, sometime during the late-1800s, early 1900s and disinterred during road construction in the mid-twentieth century. Various times since 1959, remains have been unearthed from that hill. According to documents obtained by the Medicine Hat News from the Esplanade Archives, the bodies of 11 adults and two children were uncovered at one point and were taken to Edmonton for study by University of Alberta officials. Demarais would like to see these remains returned or accounted for. The remains had been reinterred in Medicine Hat before being dug up again and taken to the University of Alberta for research purposes. Demarais says he wants to know whether the 13 bodies were reinterred in Edmonton or if they continue to be held by the university. “I think it’s only right … I am passionate about it because my ancestors are First Nations,” Demarais told the News.