Indigenous Archaeology in a Settler-Colonist State: A View from the North American Southwest

Abstract

Collaborative, open, participatory, community-based, public, and Indigenous archaeologies are frequently discussed collectively as a paradigm shift for the discipline. As these approaches mature, we begin to understand some of their less-than-positive repercussions. However, the archaeology of Indigenous descendant communities in a settler-colonist state differs from reactionary populism. In this article, I approach these concerns from my vantage point as a Euroamerican academic archaeologist working in the Southwest United States. I first situate Indigenous archaeology within its historical context. I then explore the issues faced by archaeologists working in the ancient Indigenous Southwest United States. As Southwest archaeologists work to decolonize our discipline, there have been successes, but there are also tremendous challenges and obstacles. I conclude with an example from my own work that illustrates how archaeologists can collaborate with Native communities to fight against global capitalist and neoliberalist interests.

Acknowledgements

My thanks to Þóra Pétursdóttir and Charlotte Damm for the invitation to participate in this edited journal volume. The arguments outlined here have been strengthened by discussions with Chip Colwell, Carrie Heitman, and Randy McGuire, and by comments provided by Chuck Riggs, Claudia Theune, Davina Two Bears, and two anonymous reviewers. Many Indigenous colleagues have shaped, and continue to shape, my understanding of what it is to practice archaeology as a non-Native person in the American Southwest. I particularly want to thank Ora Marek-Martinez (Diné), Jason Nez (Diné), Will Tsosie (Diné), Davina Two Bears (Diné), Ernest Vallo (Haaku), Eunice Romero (Cochití), Presley Haskie (A:Shiwi), Curtis Quam (A:Shiwi), and Octavius Seowtewa (A:Shiwi) for their friendship, insights and guidance.