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Italian sailors knew of America 150 years before Christopher Columbus, new analysis of ancient documents suggests

Ancient Italian writings suggest that Genoese sailors were aware of North America 150 years before Columbus' famous voyage. The discovery, made by Professor Paolo Chiesa, refers to an area known as 'Markland'/ 'Marckalada', mentioned in Icelandic sources and identified as part of the Atlantic coast of North America.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalTerrae Incognitae·DateOct 8, 2021

Māori connections to Antarctica may go as far back as 7th century, new study shows

A new study published in the Journal of the Royal Society of New Zealand suggests that indigenous Māori people may have set eyes on Antarctic waters and possibly the continent as early as the 7th century. The research uncovers a deep-rooted connection between Māori people and Antarctica, which continues to this day.

SourceTaylor & Francis Group·JournalJournal of the Royal Society of New Zealand·DateJun 9, 2021

Indigenous protection

A team of anthropologists, physicians, and tribal leaders developed a strategy to manage COVID-19 among the Tsimane indigenous population in Bolivia. The plan aims to provide a general template for other indigenous groups, promoting collaboration and minimizing harm due to the pandemic.

Native approaches to fire management

A Stanford-led study found that incorporating traditional techniques into current fire suppression practices could help revitalize American Indian cultures, economies, and livelihoods. The approach increased the production of high-quality stems needed to make culturally significant items up to 10-fold compared with untreated shrubs.

SourceStanford University·JournalForest Ecology and Management·DateAug 26, 2019

Interior Northwest Indians used tobacco long before European contact

Researchers at Washington State University have uncovered evidence of ancient tobacco smoking in the interior Pacific Northwest dating back over 1,200 years. The study's findings challenge long-held views on the region's pre-contact smoking practices and highlight the sophistication of indigenous cultures in managing plants and animals.

SourceWashington State University·JournalProceedings of the National Academy of Sciences·DateOct 29, 2018

Preventing underage drinking among youths on rural reservations

A recent study evaluated the effects of combined individual- and community-level interventions to reduce underage drinking by American Indian/Alaska Native youths. Reports of drinking frequency declined among students in the intervention group relative to comparison groups, with significant reductions in heavy drinking frequency.

SourcePacific Institute for Research and Evaluation·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateSep 23, 2018

Seeking new relationships with invasive species

A Dartmouth study explores alternative perspectives on invasive species through Anishnaabe traditions, highlighting the importance of respectful relationships and careful stewardship. The research reveals three key findings: indigenous communities view invasive species as natural migration or a form of cultural exchange, and traditiona...

SourceDartmouth College·JournalSustainability Science·DateJun 13, 2018

Suicide rates drop among members of White Mountain Apache tribe

A comprehensive community-based effort led to a significant drop in suicide rates, with a 38.3% decrease in overall deaths and attempts. The program, developed by the tribe in collaboration with Johns Hopkins researchers, tracks and triages individuals with suicidal thoughts and provides culturally tailored interventions.

SourceJohns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health·JournalAmerican Journal of Public Health·DateNov 23, 2016