Study shows impact of contact on B.C. natives

GENETIC CHANGES

the gene was involved in immunity, we can infer that maybe it was adapted to the pathogens in their ancient environments.”

However, Malhi and his team found that the occurrence of that DNA began to fall in human remains from about the time of European contact. Most modern members of those communities no longer have that DNA, Malhi said.

“After Europeans arrived and changed the environment, worked. He points out oral history from those communities tells of massive disease outbreaks at about the time of contact.

“We don’t know what the mechanism is. We can infer there’s a possibility that it might be associated with smallpox.”

First Nations were also being affected by warfare and massive social and cultural change at the same time.

It’s hard to estimate exactly how much life was lost. Malhi’s research indicates that between 125 and 225 years ago, those First Nations lost about 57 per cent of their genetic diversity.

“It suggests a huge drop in population.”

Malhi’s research was conducted with the full cooperation of the two First Nations involved. Two members of those communities travelled back to the research lab at the university to observe the handling and study of the human remains, which consisted mostly of materials such as bone and teeth fragments.

The results have also been shared with the communities.

Malhi is currently extending his work to look at the genetic consequences of European contact on other First Nations in Alaska, California and Mexico.