The discovery of a sprawling prehistoric site in North America is forcing experts to rethink how advanced early societies may have been long before recorded history. A major archaeological discovery near Sturgeon Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan, Canada, is reshaping history and challenging long-held narratives about early Indigenous civilizations.
The revelation of an 11,000-year-old pre-contact settlement, one of the oldest known Indigenous sites on the continent, confirms that highly organized societies existed in the region far earlier than previously believed reveals a report by the University of Saskatchewan. This places it among some of the world's most well-recognized ancient sites, such as the Great Pyramids of Egypt, Stonehenge in England, and Göbekli Tepe in Turkey, each known for their immense historical significance and their role in shaping human civilization.
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Layers of History Peeking Through the Soil
The Âsowanânihk Council (meaning "A Place to Cross" in Cree) is spearheading efforts to protect and study the site alongside archaeologists from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Calgary, reports Live Science. The council, which includes Elders, Knowledge Keepers, educators, youth and academics, is committed to ensuring the site's preservation.
Located about five kilometers north of Prince Albert along the North Saskatchewan River, the site was first identified by researcher and avocational archaeologist Dave Rondeau. While surveying the area, Rondeau noticed significant erosion along the riverbank exposing artifacts.
"The moment I saw the layers of history peeking through the soil, I felt the weight of generations staring back at me," Rondeau said. "Now that the evidence has proven my first instincts, this site is shaking up everything we thought we knew and could change the narrative of early Indigenous civilizations in North America".
Archaeologists examine the eroding cliff where the site was discovered in Saskatchewan, Canada. (Sturgeon Lake First Nation)
Evidence suggests the site was a long-term settlement rather than a temporary hunting camp. Findings include stone tools, fire pits, and lithic materials used in toolmaking. Charcoal layers indicate early Indigenous inhabitants practiced fire management, aligning with longstanding oral traditions. The discovery of large bison remains provides insight into early hunting techniques and the evolution of the species.
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Skeleton of Bison antiquus at the La Brea Tar Pits Museum (Nikhil Iyengar /CC BY-SA 4.0)
Challenging the Bering Strait Theory
"This discovery challenges the outdated idea that early Indigenous peoples were solely nomadic," Dr. Glenn Stuart, an archaeologist at the University of Saskatchewan, said.
"The evidence of long-term settlement and land stewardship suggests a deep-rooted presence. It also raises questions about the Bering Strait Theory, supporting oral histories that Indigenous communities have lived here for countless generations".
Charcoal from one of the hearths was radiocarbon-dated to about 10,700 years ago, Dr. Stuart told Live Science. This means that people were living in the village just after the last ice age ended, when there was finally land suitable for plants to grow. "This indicates that people arrived in this location as soon as it was habitable," Stuart said, "and then continually reoccupied the site for thousands of years".
The landscape, shaped by glacial activity and large-scale flooding over millennia, has evolved dramatically. Researchers believe the site, which resembles a buffalo jump today, was home to multiple bison pounds and kill sites. Findings suggest early Indigenous hunters strategically harvested bison, including the now-extinct Bison antiquus, which weighed up to 2,000 kilograms.
Archaeologists inspecting the stratigraphic layers at the Âsowanânihk site. (Sturgeon Lake First Nation)
Reclaiming a Rightful Place in History
The site provides undeniable proof of the deep and enduring presence of Indigenous peoples in this region, reinforcing knowledge that has been passed down for generations. Oral histories have long described the area as an important cultural and trade hub, and this discovery offers physical evidence supporting those accounts.
"This discovery is a powerful reminder that our ancestors were here, building, thriving, and shaping the land long before history books acknowledged us," said Chief Christine Longjohn.
"For too long, our voices have been silenced, but this site speaks for us, proving that our roots run deep and unbroken. It carries the footsteps of our ancestors, their struggles, their triumphs, and their wisdom. Every stone, every artifact is a testament to their strength. We are not just reclaiming history—we are reclaiming our rightful place in it".
Looking ahead, the Âsowanânihk Council plans to collaborate with archaeologists to secure funding for continued research and preservation. Plans are also underway to establish a cultural interpretive center to promote education, tourism, and community engagement. Despite its immense significance, the site faces threats from logging and industrial activity, prompting calls for immediate protective measures.
Top image: Site of the newly discovered 11,000-year-old Indigenous settlement near Sturgeon Lake First Nation. Source: Sturgeon Lake First Nation / University of Saskatchewan
By Gary Manners
References
Killgrove, K. 2025. 11,000-year-old settlement in Canada could rewrite history of Indigenous civilizations in North America. Live Science. Future US. Available at: https://www.livescience.com/archaeology/11-000-year-old-settlement-in-canada-could-rewrite-history-of-indigenous-civilizations-in-north-america
Sturgeon Lake First Nation. 2025. 11,000-year-old Indigenous village uncovered near Sturgeon Lake. College of Arts and Science - University of Saskatchewan. Available at: https://artsandscience.usask.ca/news/articles/10480/11_000_year_old_Indigenous_village_uncovered_near_Sturgeon_L
