A groundbreaking archaeological discovery near Sturgeon Lake First Nation in Saskatchewan is reshaping long-established narratives about the origins and complexity of early Indigenous civilizations in North America. Researchers have identified an approximately 11,000-year-old pre-contact settlement—now considered one of the oldest known Indigenous sites on the continent—offering compelling evidence that organized, long-term communities existed in the region far earlier than previously believed. The scale and age of this site place it among the world’s most iconic ancient landmarks, often compared in significance to Egypt’s Great Pyramids, England’s Stonehenge, and Turkey’s Göbekli Tepe.

The site is located roughly five kilometers north of the city of Prince Albert, along the banks of the North Saskatchewan River. It was first identified by researcher and avocational archaeologist Dave Rondeau, who observed unusual erosion patterns along the riverbank that exposed ancient artifacts. Subsequent archaeological investigation revealed a wealth of cultural material embedded in the soil. Radiocarbon dating of charcoal recovered from an ancient hearth indicates the settlement dates back approximately 10,700 years, suggesting that people began living in this area shortly after the retreat of the last glaciers at the end of the Ice Age.

This discovery challenges earlier assumptions that early Indigenous populations in the region were primarily nomadic and lacked permanent or semi-permanent settlements. Instead, the evidence points to a sustained and organized community. Archaeologists have uncovered stone tools, fire pits, and extensive lithic debris associated with tool production, all of which indicate repeated and long-term occupation rather than a temporary hunting camp. Stratified charcoal layers further suggest that early inhabitants practiced deliberate fire management, a finding that aligns closely with Indigenous oral traditions describing land stewardship and controlled use of fire over thousands of years.

The project is being led by the Âsowanânihk Council—meaning “A Place to Cross” in Cree—in close collaboration with archaeologists from the University of Saskatchewan and the University of Calgary. The council plays a central role in guiding research priorities, ensuring cultural protocols are respected, and integrating Indigenous knowledge systems into scientific interpretation. This collaborative approach reflects a growing recognition within archaeology of the importance of Indigenous leadership and community-based research.

One of the most striking aspects of the site is the discovery of large bison remains, including those of the extinct Bison antiquus, an animal that could weigh up to 2,000 kilograms. These remains provide valuable insight into early hunting strategies, food systems, and social organization, suggesting that inhabitants possessed advanced knowledge of animal behavior and cooperative hunting techniques. Such findings further reinforce the idea that this location functioned as an important cultural, economic, and possibly trade hub for early Indigenous peoples.

Chief Christine Longjohn of Sturgeon Lake First Nation has emphasized the profound cultural significance of the discovery. She noted that the site serves as powerful, tangible proof that their ancestors were present, thriving, and shaping the land long before written history acknowledged them. Importantly, the findings validate oral histories passed down through generations, many of which describe the area as a vital gathering and crossing place along the river.

Despite its immense archaeological and cultural value, the site currently faces threats from logging and industrial development. In response, the Âsowanânihk Council is advocating for immediate protective measures to preserve the area for future generations. Long-term plans include the creation of a cultural interpretive center that would support education, sustainable tourism, and community engagement, while also providing opportunities for youth to participate in land-based learning and cultural revitalization initiatives.

Experts note that discoveries of this scale contribute significantly to a broader reassessment of early human history in North America. Institutions such as the Canadian Museum of History and academic publications like Science and Antiquity have increasingly highlighted evidence that Indigenous societies developed complex social, environmental, and technological systems far earlier than once assumed. This Saskatchewan site adds to a growing body of research demonstrating that Indigenous knowledge, innovation, and resilience have deep roots extending back more than ten millennia.