Adirondack Archaeology: 12,000 Years of Indigenous History

Dr. Curt Stager and David Kanietakeron Fadden have released a new book that reexamines the prehistory of the Adirondack region. The volume, titled The First Adirondackers: 12,000 Years of Indigenous Peoples in the Adirondack Uplands, argues that people have inhabited the area for a much longer period than commonly believed.

The authors contend that a widespread misconception exists regarding the environment. Many observers believe the frigid climate and difficult farming conditions made the uplands unsuitable for human settlement thousands of years ago. Stager and Fadden state their goal is to correct this view by presenting evidence of continuous Indigenous presence.

The project combines distinct professional backgrounds. Stager is a professor of natural sciences at Paul Smith’s College who studies human interactions with the natural world. Fadden serves as the executive director of the Six Nations Iroquois Cultural Center. He is also a Mohawk artist and illustrator based in Onchiota, New York, who has illustrated award-winning books.

The book is currently available for purchase in bookstores across the Adirondack region and through online retailers. The authors discussed their collaboration with Paul Larson, the producer of the local program Spotlight.

Spotlight is produced with support from the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation and Hill and Hollow Music. The foundation focuses on improving the quality of life for year-round residents of the Adirondack Park.