Exploring the meaning of “time immemorial

Think Out Loud

Exploring the meaning of “time immemorial

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Published on Jan 28, 2026, 1:40:35 PM
Total time: 00:14:06

Episode Description

 Many Native American tribes use the phrase “time immemorial” to describe how long they’ve been living in North America. But how long is “time immemorial”? What does it really mean? 

 

Indigenous affairs reporter Toastie Oaster dug into the history and significance of the phrase for High Country News. It was part of the magazine’s larger issue on “deep time” in the West. Oaster joins us to share what they learned.

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