Archaeology for the Seventh Generation

Archaeologies of Persistence: Reconsidering the Legacies of Colonialism in Native North America

“…Yet, in thinking broadly about developing archaeologies of persistence, I believe that this approach offers an area of common ground between archaeologists and descendant communities, one that may aid in the larger goal of decolonizing our discipline. Today there are myriad examples of archaeologists, both native and nonnative, working with descendant communities to examine the implications of colonialism for contemporary peoples (e.g., Gonzalez et al 2006;Hantman 2004;Panich 2007;Silliman 2009;Tveskov 2007;Wilcox 2009). This work is in stark contrast to the anthropological and archaeological research of the late nineteenth and twentieth centuries that, in California and elsewhere, served to embed terminal narratives and essentialist concepts of cultural authenticity in popular consciousness and governmental policy.…”

Indigenous Values and Methods in Archaeological Practice: Low-Impact Archaeology Through the Kashaya Pomo Interpretive Trail Project

“…Third, I stress that the low-impact approach of KPITP reflects a progressive shift in archaeological priorities towards more context-sensitive methods that attempt to mitigate the damage of archaeology to cultural resources (Ferris and Welch 2014:231-232;Welch and Ferris 2014:102-3). The project's use of this methodology not only improved the ability of the KPITP and Kashia THPO to study tribal cultural resources within the park; it also led to the creation of the catch-and-release surface collection strategy, which was developed by the project in 2004(Gonzalez et al 2006. This innovative, curationminded, and culturally sensitive site survey method encapsulates how indigenous, collaborative archaeologies are pushing the boundaries of disciplinary practice by refining the application of low-impact research methods that may, in turn, facilitate greater opportunities for collaboration with tribal communities.…”

The Globalization of a Brazillian Fishing Community1

“…My experience in teaching field schools is that they provide an exceptional opportunity for both faculty and students to think critically not only about field methods and research designs, but also to partake in collaborative archaeological enterprises that raise issues about ethics, community participation, heritage management, public outreach, and the social and political implications of archaeology. Many of these points have been nicely articulated in a growing literature about the important role that field schools can play in the pedagogy and practice of contemporary archaeology (Gonzalez, et al 2006;Mills 2005;Pyburn 2003;Walker and Saitta 2002; see also papers in Silliman 2008). In reflecting on my own teaching experiences, I make the following observations about what has worked well in directing university-sponsored field schools.…”

“…In working closely with local Native American tribes as part of larger research programs, our field school classes involve the participation of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO), tribal scholars, and tribal elders. Our most recent field schools have involved members of the Kashaya Pomo tribe and the Federated Indi-ans of the Graton Rancheria (Gonzalez, et al 2006;Lightfoot 2008;Schneider 2007Schneider /2008. While interactions with students may take place during formal lectures or smaller seminars, much of the contact takes place in more informal settings, such as over a meal or in the field where one-on-one discussions often take place.…”

“…We have worked closely with members of the Fort Ross Interpretive Association in their responsibility of assisting state parks in the development of interpretive panels and materials for visitors to Fort Ross State Historic Park. Consequently, students have been involved in the planning stages of designing exhibits and interpretive trails as one component of their archaeological training (Gonzalez, et al 2006;Gonzalez and Modzelewski 2007). Students have also had the opportunity to meet local ranchers who have considerable interest in the local archaeology and history.…”