BLM and Burns Paiute Tribe to work together in archaeology
By Logan Bagett on Tuesday, February 13th, 2024 in Eastern/Southeast Oregon News More Top Stories
BURNS – David Holst, Burns BLM District Archaeologist, recently called in to Elkhorn Media Group Studios to discuss some exciting research on the district. Holst mentioned the work underway at the Rimrock Draw Rockshelter, which dates human inhabitance in the area back to 18,200 years before present. Holst said that date came as a surprise to many, but probably not to the local Burns Paiute Tribe:
“You know, their impression would be, ‘We’ve always told you.’ Natives aren’t going to be surprised from these older dates. It’s something they’ve been telling us for years. A lot of research designs we’ve seen over the years; [if] archaeologists would’ve just simply asked Native Americans, they probably would have had a lot of questions answered. It’s time we’re going to start getting that perspective.”
Holst mentioned that the Burns BLM have efforts underway to develop a working relationship with the Burns Paiute Tribe to include their perspective when getting the site published.
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