The discovery of the Âsowanânihk site, an 11,000-year-old settlement located in the Sturgeon Lake First Nation (SLFN) in central Saskatchewan, is poised to transform the understanding of early Indigenous history in North America. Amateur archaeologist Dave Rondeau first identified the site in 2023, unveiling what experts now consider one of the oldest archaeological sites on the continent. This groundbreaking find suggests that an organized society existed in central Canada far earlier than previously believed.
Archaeologists, including Glenn Stuart, are currently studying the Âsowanânihk site alongside the SLFN's Âsowanânihk Council, which comprises Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and educators. The site is notable for its array of stone tools, firepits, and bison bones, indicating it was likely a long-term settlement rather than a transient hunting camp. The presence of a very large firepit at the site further supports the idea that it was used either continuously or repeatedly over shorter periods.
Radiocarbon dating of charcoal from one of the hearths places the site's use at approximately 10,700 years ago. The implications of this discovery are profound, challenging the prevailing notion that early Indigenous people were predominantly nomadic. The evidence suggests that people arrived at this location as soon as it became habitable.
"This indicates that people arrived in this location as soon as it was habitable," – Stuart
The Âsowanânihk site, meaning "a place to cross" in the Cree language, adds a significant chapter to the history of early Indigenous civilizations. SLFN Chief Christine Longjohn emphasized the cultural importance of this discovery.
"This site speaks for us, proving that our roots run deep and unbroken," – SLFN Chief Christine Longjohn
The site’s findings are prompting a reevaluation of historical narratives concerning early Indigenous societies. Dave Rondeau highlighted the potential impact on current historical understandings.
"This site is shaking up everything we thought we knew and could change the narrative of early Indigenous civilizations in North America," – Dave Rondeau
