Tara Kearsey
Northern News Services

Coppermine (Sep 23/02) - The hamlet council is looking into a new location for its graveyard after the Anglican minister warned the existing plots are washing away.

According to Malcolm Palmer, the Coppermine River is eroding the south bank of the island that is home to the current cemetery.

"All along that far side the river is beginning to erode the river bank and also the island, and in time it will cause a problem," said the minister.

The graves are currently about 50 metres from the river's edge, Palmer estimated. He said if the erosion continues, the graves will begin to drift away in about 10 years.

"We wouldn't like that to happen, would we?"

Palmer said the cemetery also presents "a real danger" at break-up and freeze-up, because crossing the river is necessary in order to get to the cemetery.

"And if we have a funeral that takes place just upon freeze-up, then everything has to be delayed while the river freezes," he said.

Palmer said it's an issue that affects every member of the community, as each resident has a relative or friend buried on the island.

Hamlet residents have used the island as a burial ground for their loved ones since the first missionary minister arrived in the 1930s. About 400 graves are now situated there.

The hamlet is looking at several locations for a new cemetery. The problem has been discussed at several council meetings and one location, just past the air field and beyond a hill, is under consideration.

Palmer said the site is an appropriate one.

"It's quiet, it's in a beautiful location, it overlooks the tundra and the River Coppermine. It's very nice and an easy access without any hazards," he said.

Palmer hails from England and has served as the hamlet minister for about a year.