More bones on Mackinac

By Linda Stephan

More bones have been found at another construction site on Mackinac Island.

That's after hundreds of human bones were unearthed last fall during the excavation of the former McNally Cottage.

Just a few bones have now been discovered on the site of a remodel for a Main Street store

The island's police chief says it's not yet clear they're human.

But, if they are, he believes they're likely of Native American ancestry.

That's based on where the site is located.

The island is an ancient burial ground.

And a repatriation specialist with the Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians said any construction on Mackinac runs the risk of unearthing human remains.

He said it's "unfortunate." But he also said all is being handled appropriately by island officials and the property owner.

This spring, the tribe hopes to finish the process of re-burying remains found during excavation of McNally Cottage.

Earth from that site, along with the remains, have been removed.

And the tribe is building a burial mound for them on the island, in the shape of a turtle.