Archaeologists Old Settlement have uncovered an ancient village in Saskatchewan dating back 11,000 years, a finding that could reshape our understanding of Indigenous history in central Canada.
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Ancient 11,000-Year-Old Settlement in Canada Could Rewrite Indigenous History in North America
An extraordinary Ancient 11,000-Year-Old Settlement archaeological discovery in Canada is reshaping our understanding of early Indigenous civilizations.
A newly uncovered settlement in central Saskatchewan, dating back 11,000 years, challenges the long-held belief that early Indigenous peoples were strictly nomadic. The site, known as Âsowanânihk—meaning “a place to cross” in the Cree language—is now considered one of the oldest known archaeological sites in North America. This groundbreaking find suggests that a structured and organized society existed in the region far earlier than experts previously believed.
“This site is shaking up everything we thought we knew and could change the narrative of early Indigenous civilizations in North America,” said amateur archaeologist Dave Rondeau, who first identified the site in 2023, in a statement released on February 4.
Located within Ancient the Sturgeon Lake First Nation (SLFN) in central Saskatchewan, Âsowanânihk has already yielded a wealth of artifacts that indicate long-term habitation. Archaeologists have unearthed stone tools, firepits, and bison bones—strong evidence that early Indigenous people not only lived in the area but also established a stable way of life. One of the most striking discoveries is a massive firepit, which experts believe was used either continuously for an extended period or repeatedly over generations. According to Glenn Stuart, an archaeologist at the University of Saskatchewan involved in the project, the presence of such a feature suggests that Âsowanânihk was not merely a temporary hunting camp but a long-term settlement where Indigenous communities thrived.
The significance of the site is further underscored by radiocarbon dating. Charcoal recovered from one of the hearths was tested and found to be approximately 10,700 years old. This means that Indigenous peoples inhabited the region shortly after the last ice age, as the land became habitable and capable of supporting plant and animal life. “This indicates that people arrived in this location as soon as it was possible to do so,” Stuart explained. “Then they continually reoccupied the site for thousands of years. Ancestral First Nations have been living in the area west of [the city of] Prince Albert for as long as it has been possible to survive here.”
The discovery at Âsowanânihk not only provides physical evidence of long-term settlement but also carries deep cultural and historical significance for Indigenous communities. For centuries, colonial narratives have often downplayed the complexity and longevity of Indigenous societies in North America, portraying early peoples as primarily nomadic hunters. This find challenges that perspective, reinforcing what many Indigenous oral histories have long stated: their ancestors built thriving communities, developed complex social structures, and maintained deep connections to the land for thousands of years.
SLFN Chief Christine Longjohn spoke to the profound meaning of the discovery for her community. “This discovery is a powerful reminder that our ancestors were here, building, thriving, and Ancient shaping the land long before history books acknowledged us,” she said. “This site speaks for us, proving that our roots run deep and unbroken.”
The implications of this discovery extend far beyond Saskatchewan. If Âsowanânihk was a long-term settlement 11,000 years ago, it suggests that similar sites may exist elsewhere in North America, waiting to be uncovered. It also raises new questions about the movement, adaptation, and innovation of early Indigenous groups following the last ice age. What technologies and survival strategies did they develop? How did they interact with their environment and with other communities? What role did trade, art, and storytelling play in these early societies?
For archaeologists and historians, Âsowanânihk represents an invaluable opportunity to reexamine existing theories about early North American civilizations. For Indigenous communities, it stands as undeniable proof of their enduring presence and resilience on the land.
Excavation and research at the site are ongoing, and archaeologists hope to uncover even more evidence of the rich history embedded in the land. As scientific exploration continues, so too does the work of reclaiming and amplifying Indigenous narratives—stories that have been told for generations but are now, finally, receiving the recognition they deserve.