This article was last updated on April 16, 2022
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A pioneering genetic study conducted by a team comprised of U.S. and Canadian anthropologists has successfully traced back a direct DNA link between the 5,500-year-old remains of an aboriginal woman found on a British Columbia island. The remains were the second set of ancient female bones found near a 2,500-year-old site and a living Tsimshian woman from the Metlakatla First Nation, i.e. located close to both of the prehistoric burials along B.C.’s North Coast near the city of Prince Rupert.
The successful matching of DNA of such ancient remains has been conducted using powerful new techniques to analyze the complete mitochondrial genome of the individuals studied. The groundbreaking scientific accomplishment is deemed to aid significantly in the First Nations’ land claims and treaty rights, as it will enable a new powerful tool for aboriginal groups to demonstrate deep-rooted links between the present and hyper-distant past.
First Nations archeologist and co-author of the study which served as the chief liaison between scientists and the Metlakatla community, Barbara Petzelt, stated that “having a DNA link showing direct maternal ancestry dating back at least 5,000 years is huge as far as helping the Metlakatla prove that this territory was theirs over the millennia.” Metlakatla treaty official, researcher, and also a co-author of the study, Joycelynn Mitchell, added that “I believe this is really a unique collaboration.” She stated that “it’s very exciting to be able to have scientific proof that corroborates what our ancestors have been telling us for generations. It’s very amazing how fast technology is moving to be able to prove this kind of link with our past.”
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