Northern Ont. researcher’s book reclaims Indigenous history in the Americas
A researcher at Algoma University in Sault Ste. Marie, Ont., is being recognized for her work that challenges the traditional approach to American archeology.
Paulette Steeves’ recently published book, ‘The Indigenous Paleolithic of the Western Hemisphere,’ has been named an outstanding academic title by the American Library Association.
“This area of archeology has been called an area of academic suicide,” Steeves said.
“I was floored (to win the honour). I was just so happy. I didn’t expect awards because I pushed back on the status quo.”
In her book, the archeologist and professor strongly disagrees with the claim by many in her field that there was little to no human activity in the Americas more than 12,000 years ago.
“I list, I think, over 300 sites that have very strong evidence for human presence, dating between 12,000 to over 50,000 years in North America,” she told CTV News.
Steeves said the notion that Indigenous people were here before that era upsets a "euro-centric" way of thought.
It’s one she calls overtly racist.
“There’s a long history of racism in American archeology,” Steeves said.
“If you think about social networking theory, all of the faculty and archeologists we have teaching today, you can trace them back to one of the earliest archeologists of North America in the early 1920s who were all avowed racists.”
Steeves said there are more and more colleagues in the field in recent years who are of a similar mind as her.
Not only does her book aim to rewrite what she calls the wrongs in archeology for the continent, but the Cree-Métis academic feels strongly her work is about reconciliation.
“I can’t turn a blind eye to racism and bias that’s negatively impacting Indigenous people,” she said.
“When you address that racism and bias, when you change people’s world views of Indigenous people in the past, you change their world views and understanding of them in the present.”
Steeves said she has heard from a number of people in response to her book.
One PhD student went as far as thanking her for “completely destroying American archeology” and creating a space that allows the field to be rebuilt properly, with an open mind.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Nearly half of China's major cities are sinking, researchers say
Nearly half of China's major cities are suffering 'moderate to severe' levels of subsidence, putting millions at risk of flooding especially as sea levels rise.
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer denied bail after being charged with killing Canadian couple
American millionaire Jonathan Lehrer, one of two men charged in the killings of a Canadian couple in Dominica, has been denied bail.
Prince Harry formally confirms he is now a U.S. resident
Prince Harry, the son of King Charles III and fifth in line to the British throne, has formally confirmed he is now a U.S. resident.
Judge says 'no evidence fully supports' murder case against Umar Zameer as jury starts deliberations
The judge presiding over the trial of a man accused of fatally running over a Toronto police officer is telling jurors the possible verdicts they may reach based on the evidence in the case.
Sports columnist apologizes for 'oafish' comments directed at Caitlin Clark. The controversy isn't over
A male columnist has apologized for a cringeworthy moment during former University of Iowa superstar and college basketball's highest scorer Caitlin Clark's first news conference as an Indiana Fever player.
Health Canada to change sperm donor screening rules for men who have sex with men
Health Canada will change its longstanding policy restricting gay and bisexual men from donating to sperm banks in Canada, CTV News has learned. The federal health agency has adopted a revised directive removing the ban on gay, bisexual and other men who have sex with men, effective May 8.
Colin Jost names one celebrity who is great at hosting 'Saturday Night Live'
Colin Jost, who co-anchors Saturday Night Live's 'Weekend Update,' revealed who he thinks is one of the best hosts on the show.
'Shopaholic' author Sophie Kinsella reveals brain cancer diagnosis
Sophie Kinsella, the best-selling author behind the 'Shopaholic' book series, has revealed that she is receiving treatment for brain cancer.
LeBlanc says he plans to run in next election, under Trudeau's leadership
Cabinet minister Dominic LeBlanc says he plans to run in the next election as a candidate under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's leadership, amid questions about his rumoured interest in succeeding his longtime friend for the top job.