The First Peoples in Canada
George Teichmann (Rinaldo), Yukon Beringia Interpretive Centre
20,000 to 15,000 BC
The human settlement of North and South America had to await the beginnings of glacial melting, which opened up ice-free migration routes along the Pacific Coast about 15,000 years ago. Archaeological evidence of human occupation at this time in what is now Canada is very tenuous, likely because most coastal archaeological sites, if they existed, were flooded as sea levels rose. However, genetic evidence and some potentially early archaeological sites strongly suggest that the first people to inhabit North and South America arrived during this period.
Each day for 150 days leading up to the opening of the Canadian History Hall, we’re presenting one moment among the many that have shaped our country. Discover more of Canada’s significant historical events in the new Canadian History Hall, opening July 1, 2017.