Applying Decolonizing Theories and Methodologies in Archaeology to Two Collaborative Cultural Resource Management Projects

• Main Author: Lanthier, Cydney K.
• Format: Text
• Language: English
• Published: PDXScholar 2024
• Subjects: archaeology; collaboration; cultural resource management; decolonization; Indigenous; political ecology; Indigenous Studies; Bering Land Bridge
• Online Access: https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/open_access_etds/6672; https://pdxscholar.library.pdx.edu/context/open_access_etds/article/7757/viewcontent/Lanthier_psu_0180E_13315.pdf

Decolonizing theories and methods were employed during two separate graduate research projects. The methods of the initial project were informed by political ecology, the landscape-level historical ecology theory, Tribal sovereignty, traditional ecological knowledge (TEK), Indigenous archaeology, and community based participatory research (CBPR). The initial project was based entirely on CBPR and purposed to gain National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) nomination as a Traditional Cultural Property (TCP) over a portion of the traditional landscape. This project was cancelled before completion. However, several methods involved in CBPR were employed before then. The second project took on more of the historical ecology and CBPR theoretical approaches with some political ecology influences. This project was carried out to its conclusion and included a detailed analysis of all known archaeological sites within the Bering Land Bridge National Preserve (BELA) and structured reporting of the data for submission to the National Park Service (NPS). Although very different in methodology I frame discussion of both projects in similar theoretical terms to address the larger context of Indigenous self-determination in Cultural Resource Management (CRM) and my career as an anthropologist and Indigenous ally moving forward. Both projects presented challenges that will inform future research endeavors, particularly relating to time constraints, preconceived or etic ideas around adequate project timelines, Indigenous time and resources, and data analysis. However, the opportunities learned from these experiences are invaluable and will serve to make me a better CRM professional in the future.