Wild rice harvesters at Minnesota’s Leech Lake made a startling discovery over the weekend, stumbling upon human skeletal remains believed to be several hundred years old.
Authorities suspect natural erosion as the cause for the remains of at least three individuals surfacing on the lake’s shores. Leech Lake, Minnesota’s third-largest lake, spans over 100,000 acres and lies primarily within the Leech Lake Indian Reservation in north-central Minnesota.
The area has been home to several tribal communities over the centuries, including the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe, who most recently inhabited the region. According to the tribe’s police chief, Ken Washington, the discovery of ancient remains is not uncommon in the area.
Erosion likely cause of discovery
“They’ll just arise like that, just through natural erosion of the water coming up on shorelines,” Washington said, referring to the erosion process that likely exposed the remains.
The Cass County Sheriff’s Office responded to the scene after receiving a call from the rice harvesters, who noticed the skeletal remains on land. According to Sheriff Bryan Welk, the harvesters typically gather wild rice using a canoe and push pole or paddles, which are essential tools for collecting rice—a vital resource for the Ojibwe, Dakota, and other tribal communities.
Cultural and historical significance of wild rice
Wild rice, known for its spiritual, cultural, nutritional, and economic significance, plays a central role in the traditions of Minnesota’s Indigenous tribes. The harvest is considered a sacred activity, and the discovery of human remains adds a new layer of historical reverence to the process.
After determining that the remains were ancient, deputies contacted the Leech Lake Heritage Sites program, which conducts archaeological research in the area. The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council was also notified to ensure that the remains are handled in a culturally respectful manner. In a joint statement, tribal and county law enforcement emphasized the importance of preserving the site and ensuring that the remains are treated with the dignity they deserve. “In doing so, this ensures vital evidence is preserved, along with being respectful of those who were here before us,” the statement said.
Recurring discoveries due to erosion and construction
Sheriff Welk noted that while such discoveries occur occasionally—often due to natural erosion or during construction projects—they remain relatively rare. “It has happened a couple of times a year, but then they can go several years in between,” Welk said. “It just depends.” Authorities are urging anyone who encounters potential human remains in the area to contact law enforcement immediately and avoid disturbing the site.
The preservation of the remains is not only crucial for historical and archaeological purposes but also as an act of respect for those who lived in the region long before modern-day inhabitants. As the investigation continues, experts will work to handle the remains with cultural sensitivity, while offering insight into Minnesota’s deep Indigenous history.