Picuris Pueblo oral history and genomics reveal continuity in US Southwest

Thomaz Pinotti, Michael A. Adler, Richard Mermejo, Julie Bitz-Thorsen, Hugh McColl, Gabriele Scorrano, Motahareh Feizabadifarahani, Devlin Gandy, Matthew Boulanger, Charleen Gaunitz, Jesper Stenderup, Abigail Ramsøe, Thorfinn Korneliussen, Fabrice Demeter, Fabrício R. Santos, Lasse Vinner, Martin Sikora, David J. Meltzer, J. Víctor Moreno-Mayar, Craig Quanchello () and Eske Willerslev ()
Additional contact information
Thomaz Pinotti: University of Copenhagen
Michael A. Adler: Southern Methodist University
Richard Mermejo: Picuris Pueblo
Julie Bitz-Thorsen: University of Copenhagen
Hugh McColl: University of Copenhagen
Gabriele Scorrano: University of Copenhagen
Motahareh Feizabadifarahani: University of Copenhagen
Devlin Gandy: University of Copenhagen
Matthew Boulanger: Southern Methodist University
Charleen Gaunitz: University of Copenhagen
Jesper Stenderup: University of Copenhagen
Abigail Ramsøe: University of Copenhagen
Thorfinn Korneliussen: University of Copenhagen
Fabrice Demeter: University of Copenhagen
Fabrício R. Santos: Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais
Lasse Vinner: University of Copenhagen
Martin Sikora: University of Copenhagen
David J. Meltzer: University of Copenhagen
J. Víctor Moreno-Mayar: University of Copenhagen
Craig Quanchello: Picuris Pueblo
Eske Willerslev: University of Copenhagen

Nature, 2025, vol. 642, issue 8066, 125-132

Abstract: Abstract Indigenous groups often encounter significant challenges when asserting ancestral claims and cultural affiliations based on oral histories, particularly in the USA where such narratives have historically been undervalued. Although ancient DNA offers a tool to complement traditional knowledge and address gaps in oral history, longstanding disregard for Indigenous sovereignty and beliefs has understandably led many Indigenous communities to distrust DNA studies1–4. Earlier research often focused on repatriation claims5–7, whereas more recent work has increasingly moved towards enhancing Tribal histories8,9. Here we present a collaborative study initiated by a federally recognized Native American tribe, the sovereign nation of Picuris Pueblo in the Northern Rio Grande region of New Mexico, USA, to address gaps in traditional knowledge and further their understanding of their population history and ancestry. We generated genomes from 16 ancient Picuris individuals and 13 present-day members of Picuris Pueblo, providing genomic data spanning the last millennium. We show genetic continuity between ancient and present-day Picuris, and more broadly with Ancestral Puebloans from Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon10, 275 km to the west. This suggests a firm spatiotemporal link among these Puebloan populations of the North American Southwest. Furthermore, we see no evidence of population decline before European arrival11–13, and no Athabascan ancestry in individuals predating 1500 ce, challenging earlier migration hypotheses14–16. This work prioritizes Indigenous control of genetic data and brings together oral tradition, archaeology, ethnography and genetics.

Date: 2025
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DOI: 10.1038/s41586-025-08791-9

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