The field of ancient DNA, which combines archaeology and anthropology with cutting-edge genetics, is requiring scientists to have frank conversations about when research is justified and who it benefits.
The dominant story in archaeology has long been that humans came to North America around 12,000 years ago. But Indigenous archaeologist Paulette Steeves points to mounting evidence suggesting human migration may have occurred closer to 130,000 ago.
For as long as “History” with a capital ‘H’ has been written, Indigenous peoples have been placed outside its circle. Consequently,