Wild ricers find skeletal human remains on shores of Leech Lake

LEECH LAKE — A group of wild rice harvesters stumbled upon what are believed to be centuries-old skeletal remains on the shores of Leech Lake.

According to a joint news release from Cass County Sheriff Bryan Welk and Leech Lake Tribal Police Chief Kenneth Washington, the discovery happened Saturday evening, Aug. 31, in Gould Township.

Deputies arrived and found remains of at least three people. Authorities secured the area and contacted the Leech Lake Heritage Sites program, which confirmed deputies’ suspicions that the remains were several hundred years old.

The Minnesota Indian Affairs Council was also contacted and is assisting with the discovery. It remains under investigation.

The specific location is not being disclosed at this time, though it is located within a known cultural site, according to the release.

"The Cass County Sheriff’s Office, the Leech Lake Tribal Police Department and the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe would like to take this opportunity to remind citizens the importance of contacting law enforcement should they encounter suspected human remains and to not disturb the area," the release stated.

"In doing so, this ensures vital evidence is preserved, along with being respectful of those who were here before us."

Anyone who knowingly disturbs suspected cultural sites or cemeteries may face civil and criminal repercussions.

The release stated that the groups are working together to ensure the human remains are preserved and ultimately restored to their original state in a timely and culturally appropriate manner.