DNA Links Ancient, Modern Indians

DNA Links Ancient, Modern Indians: "DNA Links Ancient, Modern Indians


A direct DNA link was found between Donna Yocum, left, and an archaeological site in Palmdale. With Yocum is John Valenzuela, chairman of the San Fernando Band of Mission Indians. Judy O'Rourke/The Signal.

� Genetic fingerprinting connects Native Americans with an antecedent who lived more than eight centuries ago.

By Judy O'Rourke

Signal Staff Writer

Sunday, May 22, 2005

PALMDALE � Human bones turned up by earthmovers grading for an Antelope Valley housing development have produced a DNA link between living Native Americans and an ancestor who died some 800 to 1,000 years ago.

It's been about 15 years since DNA matching was undertaken on remains found in ancient burial sites, but scientists say the Palmdale discovery is unusual to unprecedented.

Members of the San Fernando Band of Mission Indians, made up of three different groups, hope the find will bolster their claims to federal recognition as a sovereign nation. Seven different criteria must be met before that goal can be achieved.

Besides the ancestral link, the dig in Palmdale has uncovered other new information about the Vanyumes, a Mojave Desert group who, with the Fernandeno and the Tataviam, make up the mission band.

The tribe hopes to one day build a cultural center in Santa Clarita, tribal Vice Chairwoman Donna Yocum said."