Theories of the Origins of the First People

The most common theory is that the First Peoples came to the Americas over a land bridge called Beringia that once linked Siberia and Alaska.

During the last ice age, vast ice sheets from 5% or the world’s oceans During the last ice age, vast ice sheets from 5% or the world’s oceans. These glaciers melted and they exposed a land bridge across what is now the Bering strait. It is believed that this is the time the First Peoples came to the Americas. They were in pursuit of migrating herds of big game.

Bering Strait Theories When ocean levels dropped, a land “bridge” formed between Alaska and Russia. Earliest migrations about 12,000 - 40,000 years ago Second migration about 4,500 years ago across Canada.

THE EVIDENCE... How do we know the theory is true?

1. Coastal area of Siberia and Alaska share similar types of plant and animal life.

2. The people who live in these two areas speak similar languages.

3. Similar spiritual practices.

4. Their tools for hunting, fishing and other practices in their daily lives share similarities, too.

Once the First Peoples crossed the bridge, experts believed they travelled south down the only passable route – along the present border between British Columbia and Alberta.

Doubts About The Theory

There are recent discoveries that cast some doubt on the validity: For example, primitive stone tools found in the Bow River Valley in Alberta in 1996 suggest that prehistoric people may have lived here even before the last ice age. The truth is it is impossible to know for sure. Many researchers believe that the evidence needed to solve the puzzle lies hidden deep beneath the waters of the Bering Strait.

OTHER THEORIES Another theory suggests that they crossed the Pacific ocean and then travelled down the coast of the Americas. Evidence of the above theory was found in South America. Ancient artifacts discovered in Chile and northern Brazil indicate that the First Peoples may have occupied the Americas earlier than the Bering Strait Theory.

The Theory of American Genesis In 1981, American archaeologist Jeffrey Goodman put forth the theory that the First Peoples did not come to the Americas by way of the Bering Strait. In fact the reverse happened. He believes that they evolved here in the Americas and later migrated to Asia. He bases his arguments on archaeological evidence that suggests humans were hunting in North America as far back as 100, 000 years ago.