Overview

What does being an archaeologist mean to Indigenous persons? How and why do some become archaeologists? What has led them down a path to what some in their communities have labeled a colonialist venture? What were are the challenges they have faced, and the motivations that have allowed them to succeed? How have they managed to balance traditional values and worldview with Western modes of inquiry? And how are their contributions broadening the scope of archaeology? Indigenous archaeologists have the often awkward role of trying to serves as spokespeople both for their home community and for the scientific community of archaeologists. This volume tells the stories—in their own words-- of 37 indigenous archaeologists from six continents, how they became archaeologists, and how their dual role affects their relationships with their community and their professional colleagues. Sponsored by the World Archaeological Congress

Full Product Details

9781598744989

Table of Contents

Reviews

What an extraordinary volume! A decade ago, when I asked whether we needed a new and different archaeology, Indigenous archaeology barely was on the discipline's radar. There were but a few practitioners, most of them not Indigenous people. A sizable Indigenous cadre of Indigenous archaeologists has emerged since then, and many of their remarkable stories are in this book. The pathways these scholars have taken to become archaeologists are varied and fascinating, their achievements are remarkable, and their work broadens archaeology's perspectives in much needed, truly positive ways. George Nicholas, who probably has trained more Indigenous archaeologists than anyone else, was the right person to assemble and edit the volume. He introduces the biographies with sensitivity and compassion, providing a solid introduction to Indigenous archaeology(ies) along the way, and even better, he lets the authors' voices come through. <br><br>- Larry Zimmerman

Author Information

George Nicholas is a professor of archaeology at Simon Fraser University in Burnaby, British Columbia. He was the founding director of Simon Fraser University's Indigenous Archaeology Program in Kamloops (1991-2005). He has worked closely with the Secwepemc and other First Nations and has directed a community-based, community supported archaeology program on the Kamloops Indian Reserve for fifteen years. He co-directs a group of 50 international scholars and 25 partner organizations in the International Property Issues in Cultural Heritage Project, funded by the Canadian Social Science and Humanities Research Council. Nicholas served as editor of the Canadian Journal of Archaeology, co-editor of the World Archaeological Congress Research Handbooks in Archaeology series, and of the volume At a Crossroads: Archaeology and First Peoples in Canada.Claire Smith is President of the World Archaeological Congress.

Tab Content 6

Countries Available