Ben Potter and the Upward Sun River Site

Ben Potter is an archaeologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks who led the team that reported the Upward Sun River site, formerly known as Little Delta Dune, in Science. Researchers said the cremated remains of a child found there, dated to roughly 11,500 years ago, are likely the oldest human remains found in northern North America.[1]

The site

The Upward Sun River site, near the Tanana River in central Alaska, was formerly known as Little Delta Dune. Evidence of an older occupation about 13,200 years ago first drew researchers to it, and the National Science Foundation’s Office of Polar Programs supported the initial excavation.[1]

The discovery

Radiocarbon dating of wood indicates the cremation occurred roughly 11,500 years ago, when the Bering Land Bridge may still have connected Alaska and Asia. A team of five led by Potter found cremated remains of a child of about three years old in a fire pit inside an ancient dwelling, along with remains of small mammals, birds, fish and plants. The findings were published in Science, and initial tooth observations suggested the child was biologically affiliated with Native Americans and Northeast Asians.[1]

Significance

The researchers said the remains are likely the oldest human remains found in northern North America, and the second-youngest Ice Age child on the continent. They described the burial and house as the earliest of their kind known in subarctic North America.[1]

FAQs

Who is Ben Potter? An archaeologist at the University of Alaska Fairbanks.

What did his team find? A roughly 11,500-year-old child cremation inside an ancient dwelling.

What was the site formerly called? Little Delta Dune.

Sources

1. University of Alaska Fairbanks: Oldest subarctic North American human remains found

Editorially reviewed by Specialty Digest Editorial TeamLast reviewed November 14, 2026Researched and drafted with AI assistanceReport an issue