Origins of the first Americans

Across the Beringian land bridge? Along the edge of the Greenland ice sheets? Down the Kelp Highway? SAMA takes a look at the latest academic research on the origins of the First Americans. New developments in archaeogenetics and paleogenomics, along with the latest theories from linguists and archaeologists and geologists, paint a clearer picture than ever before.

Starting 47,000 years ago in Central Asia, the ancestors of nearly all Native Americans first migrated across Siberia to the Bering Strait and its glaciers that would trap them on its land bridge for millennia. Based on the latest DNA assays from sites such as Upward Sun River in Central Alaska and the Mal'ta on the shores of Lake Baikal, this episode attempts to be a somewhat comprehensive overview of the scholarship on the subject as of July, 2022.

Links to the studies referenced in the episode:

New insights into Eastern Beringian mortuary behavior: A terminal Pleistocene double infant burial at Upward Sun River

Terminal Pleistocene Alaskan genome reveals first founding population of Native Americans

Special thanks to Linguist Daniel Pitt for trying to teach me to pronounce Athabascan.

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!!!!!!!!!!Above and beyond all -- visit this link to the gofundme for the family of our dear departed founder Nick Barksdale!!!!!!!!!!

[DWDraffin]

Thanks everyone for continuing to view the videos and support the channel! It won't be quite the amazing place it used to be without Nick, but we have plans to keep his vision going!

[theonlygoodlookinghabsburg]

I just wanted to say. Youtube history for me will never be the same after Nick's passing, his positive and enthusiastic presence and work was very special to me and it kept me hooked to all kinds of different subjects that weren't that interesting to me. But I am very happy that the channel is still active, for that way I will keep remembering him and never forget to be interested in history.
Thank you DW Draffin, you have the best reading voice I've ever heard.

[raf]

Thank you for continuing the legacy. This channel was and is a gift that deserves to live on and enrich the world of each viewer.

[jessosiyoway]

No doubt a lot of us watching this long-awaited video, the project Nick worked so hard and was so eager to create, are doing so with a bittersweet appreciation. I had only just found out Nick fell ill before realizing he'd reached out via Academia and replied to the old message hoping he would soon be well.

He was a brilliant and, perhaps more importantly, warm soul. He will be so, so missed be everyone that not only knew him, but knew of him. We were so fortunate to have had him on this earth for a while and share all our passions for history, integrity, compassion, and justice.

You'll be missed.

[tacocruiser]

I'm happy to see the channel continue. Although it still stings that Nick is no longer part of it. I hope his wife and kids are doing ok.

[RissaFirecat]

I am so sorry that we lost Nick, but I am glad that we still have his channel. Thank you for continuing it. It’s a great positive experience.

[MTB]

Thank you for continuing the channel Nick started, to continue teaching about history! He is missed. I pray for his family daily with his passing.

[--]

Thanks for all the effort everyone has put forth into the channel. Best wishes and prayers for the family.

[shannonr]

So happy to see another video from SAMA! Lovely that you are continuing the work. Nick must be smiling 💖

[zeusnitch]

I'm happy to see a silver lining of Nick's legacy living on

[rycolligan]

This channel has been a joy and delight since its inception. For as long as you guys keep putting up videos, I will keep watching.

[deanharris]

Thank you for keeping his passion and his vision going.

[steamedwatermelon]

Rest easy, Nick. Thank you for your works.

[bethliebman]

Thank you, DW, for picking up the torch from Nick.

[DanWotanBarrett]

This channel continues! Bravo - we're with you, Nick!

[psicologamarcelacollado]

That was absolutely lovely, well done, well researched. I trust this channel and the information it offers. Thank you very much!

[soulabear]

Great to see the Channel up again.
Blessings to All...especially to Nick and all those dear to Him.

[seamusduffy]

Nick man was an absolute beast. He had put up more history content, in both depth and breadth, than practically any history channel on Youtube. His commitment to exploring every single corner of history for the public to enjoy is a profoundly powerful example of modern day civic service, and the dude will be seriously missed. Thanks to the team for bringing back the important content that Nick always gave to all of us.

[Thomas_Geist]

“Sunrise Girl Child” and, “Dawn Twilight Child Girl, ” may be the earliest found versions of names that are still used today: Dawn and Venus respectively.

[aminrodriguez]

awesome that ypu people are continuing his work with the vids, best form of respect. Beautiful.