This is a Small Grant for Exploratory Research, PI Dennis O'Rourke, University of Utah, to obtain genetic samples from a prehistoric population at Nuvuk cemetery at Point Barrow, Alaska. The cemetery is currently being eroded as a result of increased storm activity in the Arctic Ocean due to climate change being experienced in the region. In 2004 local authorities decided to excavate the cemetery and gave permission to scientific study of the human remains, this excavation will take place in the summer of 2006. Both genetic and morphometric analyses will be done on the human remains and this project offers a unique situation of having complete skeletal samples on which to undertake these types of analyses concurrently. In addition, there is a strong training component for Inupiaq students from the Barrow community.
