We know that our people have been part of this land since the beginning of time -- A Cultural Statement for the Ancient One

Summary

The assumption was made that because the Ancient One was so old, and because the court deemed him not "Native American", the Claimant Tribes had no connection to him, and, therefore, no concern for him. Those assumptions were proven to be incorrect.

Evidence demonstrating the Cultural Affiliation of the Ancient One to the Claimant Tribes can be found within the disciplines of indigenous knowledge, geography, biology, archaeology, anthropology, linguistics, folklore, oral tradition, and historical data. The totality of all evidence demonstrates cultural persistence and adaptive change resulting in the continuum of culture and kinship within Plateau peoples.

The evidence clearly indicates the indigenous people of the Columbia Plateau adapted to changing spatial and temporal landscape over millennia. These adaptations encompass the cultural affiliation with the Ancient One’s remains. By virtue of a shared group identity directly connected to places, resources, and people within the geographical context of a cultural landscape affiliation always was certain.

This presentation will provide overview and insight into the indigenous knowledge and contemporary scientific knowledge. Our reliance on our teachings, beliefs, and way of life necessitated our petition for his return, allowing us to fulfill our cultural duties.

This Resource is Part of the Following Collections

• Society for American Archaeology 83rd Annual Meeting, Washington, DC (2018)

Keywords

Record Identifiers

Abstract Id(s): 21520