In vivo facial tissue depth for Canadian Mi'kmaq adults: A case study from Nova Scotia, Canada

• Used ultrasound technology to collect facial tissue depth in Canadian Mi'kmaq adults.
• Significant differences in FTD between males and females aged 18–34 years old was shown.
• No landmarks show significant differences in between males and females aged 35–45 and 46–55 years old.
• Significant differences between Mi'kmaq and White Americans and Mi'kmaq, African Americans.
• These data can aid in establishing the identity of unknown Mi'kmaq individuals.

This study examines facial tissue depth in Canadian Mi'kmaq adults. Using ultrasound, measurements were taken at 19 landmarks on the faces of 152 individuals aged 18–75 years old. The relationships between tissue thickness, age, and sex were investigated. A positive linear trend exists between tissue thickness and age for Mi'kmaq males and females at multiple landmarks. Seven landmarks show significant differences in facial tissue depth between males and females aged 18–34 years old; no landmarks show significant differences in facial tissue depth between males and females aged 35–45 years old and 46–55 years old. Significant differences were shown in facial tissue depth between Mi'kmaq and White Americans and Mi'kmaq and African Americans. These data can assist in 3-D facial reconstructions and aid in establishing the identity of unknown Mi'kmaq individuals.