Most of what we know about the first inhabitants of North America, the
ancestors of today's First Nations and Inuit, is due to the work of
archaeologists. These specialists have generally divided the past into two
periods: the historic period, for which we have written accounts; and the
prehistoric period, prior to the existence of written records.
Archaeological work on the prehistoric period - studying stone tools, bone
chips, and faunal and other remains - is invaluable because few other types
Certain key discoveries have contributed to our knowledge of these
people. In 1927 a fluted point was uncovered near the town of Folsom, New
Mexico, which dated back to about 8,500 BC. Similar artifacts from the same
time period have since been discovered in Canada. In 1975 a discovery was
made at the Bluefish Caves in the mountains of the northern Yukon
Territory. These three small caves contained the bones of ancient animals,
many of which showed signs that they had been butchered. As well,
archaeologists found stone tools that could only have been made by humans.
One tool, a burin or stone chisel, is the oldest evidence of human
occupation in Canada. Using a technique known as radiocarbon dating,
scientists were able to conclude that hunting parties between 25,000 and
12,000 years ago used the caves intermittently.
Over the millennia these ancient peoples dispersed throughout North
America and developed subsistence strategies particular to their
environments. For example, ancestors of today's Inuit learned how to cope
with their harsh environment by using the northern resources to their
advantage and developing unique tools. Those migrating to the coastal and
prairie regions of the country did the same, adapting to their surroundings
By the time of first contact with the Europeans, there were millions
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