Dr. Michael Adler - What the Genome Reveals About Picuris Pueblo

Our guest this time works alongside the New Mexico community of Picuris Pueblo, one of the smallest and oldest Indigenous groups in the United States. A recent study, published in Nature, establishes a clear ancestral link between Picuris Pueblo and the ancient peoples of Chaco Canyon. The discovery represents a landmark in archaeological genetics, not just for its scientific findings, but for the way the research was conducted: at the invitation of the tribe, under their direction, and with their sovereignty over the process fully respected. We discuss why archaeology is a continuous process of reckoning with history, and how to move forward in meaningful partnership with Native communities. It all depends on changing not just our methods, but our mindset.