Indigenous Peoples and Yellowstone - A Cultural and Historical Legacy

In this thoughtful exploration of Indigenous peoples' deep-rooted relationship with Yellowstone, we journey through 11,000 years of human history. From the Tukudika's specialized mountain adaptations to the sacred thermal features that hold profound spiritual significance, we discover how Native American tribes shaped and stewarded this iconic landscape long before it became America's first national park. The episode examines traditional ecological knowledge, sacred sites, hunting practices, and the complex cultural heritage that continues to influence our understanding of Yellowstone today. Through archaeological evidence and tribal histories, we reveal how this was never simply an untouched wilderness, but rather a carefully tended landscape that reflects the sophisticated relationship between Indigenous peoples and the natural world.