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 University of Miami Professor Will Pestle told Local 10 News the site dates back to prehistoric times — as long as 7,000 years ago.

“(It’s) older than the pyramids. It is older than the colosseum in Rome,” Pestle said. “This is a site that has great antiquity.”

An archaeological assessment, conducted in 2021, laid out the myriad artifacts and remains found at the site.

Archaeological assessment:

Robert Rosa, with the American Indian Movement of Florida and Betty Osceola, a member of the Miccosukee Tribe of Indians of Florida and an environmental educator and activist, are both asking the city to stop digging at the site.

“I was a little bit angered and felt like our ancestors were being disrespected,” Osceola said.

Osceola said the area should be preserved like the nearby Miami Circle. She says her uncle played a crucial role ensuring the Tequesta artifacts at that site were protected.

“That same action needs to be done for this area as well,” she said.

#DigitalDeepDive - Robert Rosa and Betty Osceola speak to Local 10 News:

Rosa calls the ongoing dig a “big desecration.”

“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,” he said. “If you can’t respect us, expect us.”

In a statement, the Related Group, which is developing the site, said in part 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,” its statement said.

The company later told Local 10 News that it is aware of Osceola’s concerns and hopes to invite her into the conversation to hear what she and other tribal members have to say.

Related Group statement:

“A Phase III excavation has been completed at the southern half of the parcel, documentation and final reports of the findings are underway,” Fallat said. “Staff has received a completion report, and reviews of the master permit for the new construction proposed in this area have been approved. As for the northern half of the parcel, a Phase III excavation is on-going.”

She said findings are being “properly stored and documented for a final report” and city staff are continuing to visit the site regularly and are working with state officials.

“A presentation will be made at the upcoming April 4th Historic and Environmental Preservation Board meeting of the procedures followed and significance of the two sites,” Fallat said.

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