We Know Who We Are and What Is Needed

Abstract

Overall healing, harmony, and balance within Ndee (Apache) communities can be understood through the Ndee term Gózhó—“beauty, balance, and harmony.” Beyond this Ndee cultural precept, however, how are such states of Gózhó achieved, whether in the past or today? Within archaeological research on Ndee lands, achieving healing and promoting health is crucial to overall individual and community well-being. Healing activities that contribute to overall states of Gózhó can take many forms. As Rybak and Decker-Fitts (2009:334) suggest, “Native American healing practices exemplify key cultural perspectives and influence the identity development of Native American individuals.” Such healing practices including the use of yellow cattail pollen (hádńdín; Typha spp.) for protection are based on traditions and perspectives typically outside the mainstream of Western psychological tenets, yet they can have significant impact on the sense of well-being for Ndee communities. Ndee cultural specialists with the White Mountain Apache Tribe demonstrate that such traditions and perspectives are not only necessary for continued community well-being but are powerful conduits amplifying the past as present, which contribute to the ongoing cyclical and reciprocal nature of the ways Ndee communities have related to Nígosdzán—Mother Earth—since time immemorial.

Archaeology as Service

“…We also draw inspiration from the editors and authors of the Archaeologies of the Heart project (Supernant et al 2020) in their exploration of data practices, and we envision a practice built around rigor, care, and relationality in our work (Lyons and Supernant 2020). Essential works include those cited in this introduction and throughout this issue, and those who approach work through a lens of social and environmental justice (Belcher et al 2021; Camp et al 2023; d'Alpoim Guedes et al 2021; Douglass et al 2019; Flewellen et al 2021; Laluk and Burnette 2021; Lane 2015; Little and Shackel 2007; Sanger and Barnett 2021; Schaepe et al 2017; Two Bears 2023). Broader sources of inspiration include the work of D'Ignazio and Klein (2020:173–201), who draw attention to the emotional and affective work that women and minoritized groups do, and they ask how we make visible the work of caregivers and “maintainers.” Their definitions could include the work of culture keepers, and their comments have relevance for thinking about the way Western institutions value the past.…”