Native American activists ask digging to stop at Brickell Archaeological Site in Miami

Two Florida Native American activists are asking the city of Miami to stop an ongoing archaeological dig at the site of a future development in the Brickell neighborhood.

Archaeologists have unearthed what’s been described as a “treasure trove” of artifacts at the 444 Brickell parcel, located at the corner of Southeast Fifth Street and Brickell Avenue. It’s set to be home to a series of towers, including the Baccarat Residences.

The artifacts found at the parcel range from pottery shards and stone tools to human remains, likely dating back to when the Tequesta people called the area along the Miami River home. On Monday, bioarchaeologist and the University of Miami Professor Will Pestle told Local 10 News the site dates back to prehistoric times — as long as 7,000 years ago.

Meanwhile, Robert Rosa of the American Indian Movement of Florida and Betty Osceola of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida is requesting that the city stop the excavation.

“I was a little bit angered and felt like our ancestors were being disrespected,” Osceola told Local 10 News. She also suggested the area be preserved like the nearby Miami Circle.

Referring to it as a “big desecration,” Rosa said to Local 10 News, “Leave it alone, [these are] our ancestors we wouldn’t go and take your grandmother out of the grave to see what [she was] buried with and why.” Adding, “If you can’t respect us, expect us.”

The Related Group, which is developing the site, said in a statement that it “has worked in close collaboration with archaeologists, the City of Miami, and the State of Florida’s official tribal representatives to meticulously excavate the site and document any findings” and is fully complying with requirements.

“The Related Group and the project archaeologists have met with the Director of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office for the Seminole Tribe of Florida and their staff to assure the respectful recovery, preservation, and eventual reburial of the remains,” it continued.

Phase III of the excavation is currently underway. A presentation of the findings will be presented at the upcoming Historic and Environmental Preservation Board on April 4th.