DNA analysis of ancient remains from Pueblo Bonito in Chaco Canyon has confirmed a strong genetic link to members of the present-day Picuris Pueblo tribe, offering scientific validation of ancestral connections long preserved through oral tradition. The study, initiated by Picuris Pueblo leaders, aimed to assert their cultural affiliation with Chaco Canyon, a UNESCO World Heritage site in New Mexico deeply sacred to many Indigenous communities.
Researchers examined existing genetic data from remains excavated decades ago at Pueblo Bonito and compared it with newly collected DNA samples from 13 current members of the Picuris Pueblo tribe. They also analyzed DNA from 16 ancient individuals buried at the tribe’s home site, dating back 500 to 1,500 years. The results revealed a close genetic continuity between the ancient Chaco Canyon population and today’s Picuris people.
This initiative was driven by concerns within the Picuris community about their ancestral ties being overlooked in federal discussions regarding the preservation of Chaco Canyon. Craig Quanchello, who was the tribe’s governor at the time the study began and now serves as lieutenant governor, emphasized that the community wanted a scientific study conducted on their own terms. The tribe maintained full control over the data and its use, including the decision to publish the findings.
The structures at Chaco Canyon, including Pueblo Bonito—built by the Ancestral Puebloans—are some of the most significant pre-Columbian architectural sites in the United States. Though the precise function of Pueblo Bonito remains debated, its cultural and historical significance is widely acknowledged. The Picuris Pueblo, located near Taos and about 275 kilometers from Chaco Canyon, has long asserted ties to this heritage.
Study co-author Thomaz Pinotti, a postdoctoral researcher in genetics, explained that while traditional knowledge has always supported this connection, the tribe sought genetic evidence to support their cultural and preservation efforts. Previous research using ancient DNA had drawn criticism due to a lack of consultation with Indigenous groups. This time, the Picuris tribe led the process.
While the study focused solely on the Picuris Pueblo, researchers emphasized that the findings do not negate the connections of other Pueblo communities to Chaco Canyon. Mike Adler, an archaeologist involved in the study, noted that the DNA evidence reinforces centuries of oral history, helping ensure Indigenous voices are central to decisions about sacred ancestral lands.
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