An interdisciplinary team of Indigenous and western scientists has been honored with the 2024 Newcomb Cleveland Prize from the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) for their research on the evolution of domestic horses. The team's study, titled "Early Dispersal of Domestic Horses in the Great Plains and Northern Rockies," published in spring 2023, has garnered significant recognition in the scientific community.
Lead author of the research, Will Taylor, a UNM Anthropology graduate and assistant professor at the University of Colorado, Boulder, expressed his enthusiasm for the award, stating, "We are thrilled to receive this prestigious recognition from the AAAS for our work on the origins and dispersal of domestic horses in North America and Eurasia."
The team, which included UNM Professor Emily Jones and graduates Caroline Gabe and Victoria Monagle, combined archaeozoological research with cutting-edge genomics and traditional Indigenous scientific knowledge. Their collaborative efforts shed new light on the historical relationship between people and horses in North America, revealing deeper connections within Native societies than previously understood.
The $25,000 prize, presented at the annual AAAS meeting, is a testament to the team's dedication and innovative approach to interdisciplinary research. The award will be used to establish an endowment at the University of Colorado in memory of the late study co-author, Sam High Crane, a Knowledge Keeper and cultural educator for the Sicangu Lakota People. This endowment aims to support research and training for Indigenous perspectives in archaeology and related fields.
In a statement regarding the donation, Taylor highlighted the importance of fostering cross-cultural partnerships in scientific endeavors, saying, "This award will enable us to further promote Indigenous perspectives in academia and provide opportunities for young professionals to engage in meaningful research."
The establishment of the endowment marks the beginning of a broader collaboration between multiple institutions, including the Global Institute for Traditional Sciences (GIFTS) and the University of Colorado, aimed at advancing research in archaeogenetics and promoting diversity in the scientific community.
