Ancient Ontario and the Science of Survivors

Stones That Teach by Peter Kriger serves as an evocative exploration of the ancient human landscape in Ontario, focusing on the archaeological mysteries that predate European arrival. The text challenges the notion of the land as an empty wilderness, instead revealing a sophisticated history populated by the ancestors of the Anishinaabeg, Huron-Wendat, and Haudenosaunee nations. Through a series of thematic chapters, Kriger examines significant landmarks like the Peterborough Petroglyphs and the Serpent Mounds, treating these sites as enduring classrooms for understanding the past. He emphasizes the inherent limitations of science, noting how the decay of organic materials and modern development have left only a fragmentary «skeleton» of stone and pottery. By centering Indigenous oral traditions and authority, the author invites readers to perceive the ground beneath them as a living record of human achievement. Ultimately, the work aims to transform the local landscape from mere scenery into a profound unfinished story that continues into the present day.