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Carbon dating puts Sask. Indigenous archeological site at almost 11,000 years old

A recent archaeological discovery in Saskatchewan has shed new light on the history of Indigenous settlements in North America. A piece of charcoal unearthed at a site near Prince Albert has been dated to approximately 11,000 years old, indicating that Indigenous people inhabited the region much earlier than previously believed.

The Sturgeon Lake First Nation (SLFN) has spearheaded the research efforts at the site, which is located along the North Saskatchewan River. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal samples taken from a hearth at the site suggests that people began living there around 10,700 years ago, shortly after the glaciers receded. This finding aligns with oral histories shared by elders in the area, who spoke of ancient floods and a stable landscape that allowed for long-term settlement.

According to University of Saskatchewan professor Glenn Stuart, the next step in the research process is to take core samples further inland to determine the extent of the site. The discovery confirms that the site is one of the oldest Indigenous settlements in North America, placing it alongside iconic historical sites like the Great Pyramids of Egypt and Stonehenge in England.

The SLFN is advocating for protections to be put in place to preserve the site, and plans are underway to open a cultural interpretive center to educate the public about its significance. Elders from the community have emphasized the importance of the site as a prime location for hunting migratory animals like bison, which drew people back to the area repeatedly over the course of hundreds of years.

The findings from this archaeological site highlight the rich history of Indigenous peoples in North America and underscore the importance of preserving and celebrating their cultural heritage. As more research is conducted and new discoveries are made, the story of early human settlement in Saskatchewan continues to unfold, providing valuable insights into the ancient past of the region.

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