Think Out Loud

Exploring the meaning of ‘time immemorial’

By Gemma DiCarlo (OPB)
Jan. 28, 2026 2 p.m.

Broadcast: Wednesday, Jan. 28

FILE - Fog hovers over the Necanicum River estuary in Seaside in this undated file photo.

FILE - Fog hovers over the Necanicum River estuary in Seaside in this undated file photo.

Brandon Swanson

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?

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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 issue on “deep time” in the West. Oaster joins us to share what they learned.

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THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:
THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR:

THANKS TO OUR SPONSOR: