Most of the parking lot at LdF’s Presbyterian Church closed

A large portion of the parking lot at Lac du Flambeau’s Presbyterian church is off limits after follow-up testing for human remains by the tribal historic preservation department (THPD) of the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians on Aug. 17.

The testing was conducted after a ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey done earlier this summer indicated “the potential existence of human remains,” according to a press release from the LdF tribe. 

“The preliminary GPR tests indicated there may be more than one grave beneath the paved parking lot area,” an update published in the tribe’s Aug. 25 newsletter stated. “The initial ground investigation consisted of three sites that were examined based on the GPR survey results. One site produced a positive result for human remains.”

The tribe has briefed church pastor Timm High on the initial findings, which are to be discussed in meetings between the tribal council and THPD staff that, the tribal newsletter said, will also include “future options that may include more extensive investigations and to ensure the burial sites are protected.”