A team of archaeologists has uncovered a 1,000-year-old underground food storage pit in Alaska, offering a glimpse into the resourcefulness of the Indigenous Dene people. The cache, found near Upper Cook Inlet, contained traces of moose and caribou, confirming its use for food preservation in an unforgiving climate.
A Discovery That Stunned Researchers
Buried 3.5 feet beneath the surface and lined with birch bark and grass, the ancient food cache was located along a historic Indigenous trail stretching north from Anchorage. This remarkable find, announced by military officials, stands as the oldest known site of its kind in the eastern Upper Cook Inlet region.
Researchers from Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson (JBER) stumbled upon the pit during a survey in June 2024. Upon radiocarbon testing, the age of the site was determined to be approximately 960 years, give or take three decades.
“When we got the results back, we were shocked,” said Liz Ortiz, cultural resources program manager at JBER. “We were jumping up and down in tears. It was a very, very exciting moment.”
How The Dene People Preserved Their Food
Alaska’s harsh weather conditions meant that Indigenous groups had to develop innovative ways to store food. The Dene people constructed cache pits like the one found near Knik Arm to safeguard essential supplies. These underground storage units provided a natural refrigeration system, helping to preserve food during lean seasons.
- Lined with birch bark and grass, the pits prevented moisture buildup and kept contents fresh.
- Positioned strategically along major travel routes, caches ensured a steady food supply during seasonal migrations.
- The layering technique used inside the pit may have helped in separating different types of food, such as meat, fish, and berries.
Although other Indigenous storage pits have been identified in Alaska, this discovery is particularly rare due to the region’s shifting landscape and urban development.
A Testament to Indigenous Knowledge and Stewardship
For archaeologists, the food cache is more than just a historical artifact—it’s a confirmation of the oral traditions passed down by the Dena’ina and Ahtna peoples. These Indigenous communities have long described how their ancestors lived off the land in what is now Anchorage and its surroundings.
“Anchorage is a young city—it was founded in 1914,” said Margan Grover, archaeologist and cultural resource manager at JBER. “But people were here long before that, and they were incredible stewards of the land. We have to acknowledge that.”
This discovery reinforces the significance of traditional Indigenous knowledge and highlights the importance of preserving archaeological sites that offer insights into the past.
What’s Next for the Site?
Following the discovery, researchers are analyzing organic residues from the cache pit to determine more specifics about the diet and lifestyle of the Dene people.
Additionally, archaeologists are working with Indigenous groups to document and share the findings, ensuring that this crucial part of history remains protected for future generations. As urban expansion continues in Alaska, experts emphasize the need for careful preservation of such rare and invaluable sites.
