Someone’s ass. peak native population is only at its most liberal estimate to have peaked at about 18 million. Estimated deaths are from anywhere from 5-15 million from 1492-1900 in North America. Exaggeration never helps when you’re trying to make a serious point.

It's an upgraded number based on newer data that points to the population being much larger than previously surmised. More people alive back then means more dead people. Simple.

Also see: undercounted numbers in Gaza. Victors write the history books.