Dennis Jenkins, professor of archaeology and researcher at the University of Oregon’s Museum of Natural and Cultural History, is the winner of the 26th annual Earle A. Chiles Award given by the High Desert Museum in Bend. Jenkins was recognized for his more than two decades of research into human ecology and cultural history in the High Desert.
Jenkins published a paper in the journal Science last year documenting his 2002 discovery of genetic evidence that humans were living in the Paisley Caves in south central Oregon 14,000 years ago. That challenged the theory of how and when the first people came to North America and attracted worldwide attention.
The discovery involved interdisciplinary research and an international team of scientific experts, noted the Bend museum’s announcement. “It was a milestone in archaeology and in his long career, throughout which he succeeded in finding common ground with diverse groups of Native American tribes and other interest groups in Oregon through sometimes complex and sensitive negotiations. He also has shared his knowledge, traveling throughout Oregon, enthusiastically educating the public about the meaning of archaeological findings in the High Desert.”
The $15,000 award was established in 1983 in honor of Earle A. Chiles, Oregonian, businessman and philanthropist. It is funded by the Chiles Foundation and will be presented Dec. 1 at the Earle A. Chiles Award Banquet in Portland.
