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Ancient Paleo-Inuit Thrived on Greenland's Kitsissut Islands

2/9/2026

Summary

Story summary

Archaeologists report that Paleo-Inuit people reached the Kitsissut Islands off Greenland's northwest coast nearly 4,500 years ago, a finding published in Antiquity.
The study identifies nearly 300 archaeological features, including 15 dwellings on Isbjørne Island.
The structures indicate that Paleo-Inuit made multiple treacherous journeys from Greenland's mainland to access vital marine resources.
An animal bone found at the site dates to around 4,000 to 4,475 years ago.

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Story summary

Archaeologists report that Paleo-Inuit people reached the Kitsissut Islands off Greenland's northwest coast nearly 4,500 years ago, a finding published in Antiquity.
The study identifies nearly 300 archaeological features, including 15 dwellings on Isbjørne Island.
The structures indicate that Paleo-Inuit made multiple treacherous journeys from Greenland's mainland to access vital marine resources.
An animal bone found at the site dates to around 4,000 to 4,475 years ago.