After Columbus: Natl Geographic: DNA study confirms drop in Native population

Indianz.Com. In Print.
http://www.indianz.com/News/2011/003970.asp 

Natl Geographic: DNA study confirms drop in Native population
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
Filed Under: Education 
More on: dna
  
"The number of Native Americans quickly shrank by roughly half following European contact about 500 years ago, according to a new genetic study. 

The finding supports historical accounts that Europeans triggered a wave of disease, warfare, and enslavement in the New World that had devastating effects for indigenous populations across the Americas. 

Using samples of ancient and modern mitochondrial DNA-which is passed down only from mothers to daughters-the researchers calculated a demographic history for American Indians. 

Based on the data, the team estimates that the Native American population was at an all-time high about 5,000 years ago. 

The population then reached a low point about 500 years ago-only a few years after Christopher Columbus arrived in the New World and before extensive European colonization began." 

Get the Story:
Massive Population Drop Found for Native Americans, DNA Shows (National Geographic News 12/5) 

HUNTER GRAY [HUNTER BEAR/JOHN R SALTER JR] Mi'kmaq /St. Francis 
Abenaki/St. Regis Mohawk 
Protected by Na´shdo´i´ba´i´ 
and Ohkwari' 
www.hunterbear.org 
(much social justice material)
 
For the new, just out (11/2011) and expanded/updated
edition of my "Organizer's Book," JACKSON MISSISSIPPI -- 
with a new and substantial Introduction by me:
http://hunterbear.org/jackson.htm
 
Our community organizing course:
http://hunterbear.org/my_combined_community_organizing.htm
 
Personal Background Narrative (with many links):
http://hunterbear.org/narrative.htm