Dear Friends,
On Monday, March 4, the Washington Post published “‘On stolen land’: Tribes fight clean-energy projects backed by Biden,” an article by climate and environment reporter Maxine Joselow.
The first half of the piece focuses on our beloved San Pedro Valley and the effort by several Tribal Nations to halt construction of a massive transmission line through this sacred landscape. Archaeology Southwest is proud to be a party to their lawsuit, but saddened that the situation has come to this. A key federal hearing will take place in Tucson on March 13, and we intend to be there.
On Tuesday, March 5, Jonathan P. Thompson, renowned climate and environment reporter on the American West, published a column focused on our own Paul Reed’s powerful new report on the troubling impact and implications of tens of thousands of abandoned oil and gas wells in the region. Archaeology Southwest was instrumental in getting the Department of the Interior to create, in June 2023, a 10-mile buffer around Chaco Canyon National Historic Park for a period of 20 years.
Ordinarily, I would say “enjoy!” when suggesting people read good journalism. In this case, however, Joselow’s and Thompson’s pieces are not fun to read—quite the opposite. That said, advocacy and collaboration are key components of Archaeology Southwest’s Preservation Archaeology mission, informing our work to help report, reflect, and redress.
We will continue to collaborate with Tribal Nations in their fight to preserve cultural and natural resources and sacred landscapes across the greater Southwest. We hope you will continue to join us in these efforts.
Until next week,
Stephen E. Nash
President & CEO, Archaeology Southwest
Tribal Leaders: Clean Energy Projects Aren’t Always Clean
Verlon Jose recalls climbing a hill here to see the majestic peaks of the Santa Rita Mountains in one direction and the cactus-studded San Pedro Valley, where his ancestors lived hundreds of years ago, in the other. But looking out from that same vista in February, Jose saw only unwelcome development. To the south, bulldozers were carving roads and clearing land for a massive copper mine on the western slope of the Santa Ritas. To the east, construction was underway on a 550-mile power line that would cut through a 50-mile portion of the valley. While the power line would not technically cross the tribal land of the Tohono O’odham Nation, whose government Jose leads, it would intersect areas that his people consider part of their ancestral heritage. Maxine Joselow for the Washington Post | Read more »
Continuing Coverage and Commentary: SunZia Is Anything but Green
“Protect Our Lands”: Native American Nations and local communities are fighting to protect the San Pedro River Valley against the destruction by the SunZia power line owned by Pattern Energy. SunZia is anything but green. Produced and directed by Dina Kagan for San Pedro Film | Watch now »
Abandoned Oil & Gas Wells Threaten Cultural Sites
Archaeology Southwest, an Arizona-based nonprofit, recently released an interesting and somewhat alarming report by Paul Reed, a New Mexico preservation archaeologist, on orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells and their impact on cultural sites and landscapes—not to mention human health. Spoiler: It ain’t pretty. Jonathan P. Thompson at The Land Desk | Read more »
Uranium Drilling on Bears Ears’ Doorstep
Two Canadian companies have started exploring for uranium on public land in San Juan County — right across the road from Bears Ears National Monument. … “It’s a really inappropriate place for this sort of exploratory uranium drilling to be taking place,” Hanna Larsen, a staff attorney with the nonprofit Southern Utah Wilderness Alliance, told The Salt Lake Tribune. While neither company mentioned the drilling’s proximity to the national monument in their announcements, they lauded their wells’ convenience to the last conventional uranium mill in the country: White Mesa Mill. Anastasia Hufham in the Salt Lake Tribune | Read more »
Climate Agenda Advances $1.9M Funding for National Parks
The Department of the Interior today announced a $195 million investment from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda for climate restoration and resilience projects over the next decade, protecting America’s national parks for generations to come. National parks across the United States will use this funding to prepare for the impacts of climate change, protect species, restore ecosystems and invest in conservation jobs. Many of these projects support restoration and resilience efforts in national parks located in small and rural communities, bringing much-needed investments and jobs that support local American economies. Department of the Interior via NPS | Read more »
Continuing Coverage: Stabilizing the Arch above Spruce Tree House
On Feb. 13, the National Park Service announced it found no significant impact on the human environment for the project to stabilize the alcove arch at Mesa Verde National Park’s Spruce Tree House. The arch protects ancient dwellings built beneath the cliff ledge. The project aims to help stabilize the arch above the Spruce Tree House dwellings in the park. … According to representatives of the park, the project will help stabilize the geological structure that the Pueblo dwellings are built under, helping protect them from falling rocks and other hazards that could damage the structures. Bailey Duran in the Durango Herald | Read more »
Zuni Youth Enrichment Project Expands National Parks Program
The Zuni Youth Enrichment Project announced earlier this week that it is expanding its Connect to Land initiative this year, with support from the National Park Foundation and the 11th Hour Project, a program of the Schmidt Family Foundation. The nonprofit youth organization plans to offer multiple trips to national parks in the Southwest, which also are home to sacred ancestral sites for the Zuni people. Native News Online | Read more »
Not a Ruin
A bent and dusty “Elden Pueblo Ruins” sign was swapped out for a shiny new “Elden Pueblo Heritage Site” sign on U.S. Highway 89 in east Flagstaff Feb. 29, pointing to the ancient archaeological site of the Sinagua people. Members from the Hopi and Navajo tribes, U.S. Forest Service (USFS) and National Park Service (NPS) came together to witness the sign change, which has been years in the making. All shared a common belief: Elden Pueblo is not a “ruin.” … “A ‘ruin’ in the dictionary says it’s something that’s decaying or disintegrating and is dead, but we know that (Pasiwvi) is an ancestral village and it’s still alive, and we spiritually make our offerings and our visits here to remember our ancestors,” [Hopi Tribal member Marilyn] Fredericks said. Alexandra Wittenberg for the Navajo-Hopi Observer | Read more »
Poet Laureate Joy Harjo on Ancestors
We humans are story makers. We become part of a matrix of stories when we accept breath. We are connected to the stories of every creature, plant, and other beings. We are each given the task to bring understanding and vnokeckv or harmony of deep caring to all that we do. In this manner of consideration, I have a story, a story of cultural assault. It is not just my story but the story of family, of a ceremonial ground, of a tribal nation, of people who were exiled from their homelands just a few generations before. On that over 800-mile walk away from our origin story, the grounds leaders kept fire alive in their hands to replant the circle so that the descendants would have a place to come home to, to remember who they are, who they were, and who they will become. Joy Harjo-Sapulpa, Muscogee (Creek) Nation, in Indian Country Today | Read more »
Interview with Cultural Anthropologist Jessica Yaquinto
“At Living Heritage Anthropology, we are committed to elevating the voices of Indigenous communities by creating opportunities for Indigenous narratives to be heard in land management and protection policies, as well as heritage preservation efforts. In today’s era of climate change, it is more important than ever to capture and appropriately share the Traditional Ecological Knowledge of Indigenous People, who have been stewards of this land for generations, with current land managers. Our programs provide Indigenous elders and youth with opportunities to connect with their ancestral homelands through recreation initiatives and project work. We understand the significance of our Tribal partners sharing their deep connection to their lands with the public, and we work closely with them to become collaborative partners in preserving and protecting their homelands. We also prioritize capacity building within Tribal communities to help them achieve their own heritage goals.” Shoutout Colorado | Read more »
Cotton Pollen Identified at the Haynie (Ancestral Pueblo) Site
In 2023, with the assistance of Susie Smith, Crow Canyon’s palynologist, we learned the residents of the Haynie site had access to cotton starting in the 9th century A.D. Two cotton pollen grains were recovered from floor surfaces of rooms dating to the Pueblo I (A.D. 750–950) and Pueblo II periods (A.D. 950–1150). Smith identified a single grain of cotton pollen from a sediment sample collected from the adobe floor of Structure 1073, Pueblo I period surface room on the western side of the village. A second grain of cotton pollen was recovered from Structure 1042, an early Pueblo II period surface room, also located on the western side of the village. This room was equally remarkable for containing hundreds of maize pollen grains, most likely an indication maize pollen, or maize plants harvested during their pollination stage, were stored here. Susan Ryan and Crow Canyon Archaeological Center | Read more »
The Future of Tucson’s Iconic Teatro Carmen and the Adjacent Historic Black Elks Club
Hear from Herb Stratford, project director for the Teatro Carmen restoration in Tucson, to learn about the roots of southern Arizona music culture and the importance of preserving Tucson’s cultural legacy. Funding for this project was secured, in part, through a Heritage Fund grant awarded by Arizona State Parks and the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Upon completion of the project, Teatro Carmen will stand for generations as a symbol of community pride and cultural diversity, ready to once again become a hub for artistic expression and celebration. Arizona State Historic Preservation Office/Arizona State Parks | Watch now »
Time Machine: Women’s NPS Uniforms
The beige women’s wardrobe is one of the most misunderstood National Park Service (NPS) uniforms. It’s also the uniform that usually gets the most attention—despite being worn for only three years. Many incorrectly believe it dates to the 1960s and featured miniskirts and go-go boots. The fact that it is the one least like the standard green ranger uniform wasn’t an accident. Designed with “apparel graphics” in mind from a color chart under consideration for NPS signs, it’s not surprising that it wasn’t functional for many jobs held by NPS women. National Park Service | Read more »
Publication Announcement: A Collections-Based View of the Future of Archaeology
Advances in Archaeological Practice Volume 12, Special Issue 1: A Collections-Based View of the Future of Archaeology, February 2024. Read now (open access) »
Blog: Warrior Girl Unearthed
Warrior Girl Unearthed by acclaimed Ojibwe author Angeline Boulley is a young adult novel set in Anishinaabe land of northern Michigan. This young adult novel introduces us to Perry Firekeeper-Birch, a spirited 16-year-old who embarks on a summer adventure unlike any other. Joining an internship program organized by her Tribe, the Sault St. Marie Ojibwe, Perry finds herself at the heart of a crucial cultural mission at the Tribal Museum. As Perry delves into her work, she uncovers a startling truth: numerous cultural artifacts and Ancestors of her community are scattered across universities, private collections, and museums far from their rightful home. Embark on a journey with Perry as she faces the monumental task of repatriating her community’s Ancestors and priceless items. Ashleigh Thompson for Save History | Read more »
March Subscription Lectures (Santa Fe NM)
March 11, John Shea, The Unstoppable Human Species; March 18, Andrew GUlliford, Bears Ears: Landscape of Refuge & Resistance; March 24, Jessica Munson, On Maya Inequality at the Altar de Sacrificios, Petén, Guatemala: Recent Investigations. Southwest Seminars | Learn more »
March 9–10 In-Person Event (Tucson AZ): Festival of Books
Come say hello to Archaeology Southwest and Hands-On Archaeology expert Allen Denoyer at booth 261. We are looking forward to meeting you, and Allen has lots to share. And so many of our partners and friends will have booths, as well! Our friends and frequent collaborators R.E. Burrillo and Jonathan Bailey will be signing books at the Torrey House Press booth, 419, in the afternoons. Tucson Festival of Books | Learn more »
March 9 In-Person Event (Phoenix AZ): 22nd Annual Ancient Technology Day
Watch demonstrators present technologies inspired by the Ancestral Sonoran Desert People who thrived in a southern Arizona’s desert environment. Learn about skills such as flintknapping (making arrowheads), raw hide drum making, etching shell jewelry, basketry production, and more! Experts in historic technologies will demonstrate skills from early European settlers such as lace making and adobe brick making! And join in the fun and test your technology skills! Ancient Technology Day highlights technologies to provide guests with a more complete understanding of Arizona’s history and its environment. In addition to hands-on demonstrations, families can enjoy free craft activities and artifact show-and-tell stations. S’edav Va’aki Museum | Learn more »
March 16 In-Person Event (Tucson AZ): Traditional O’odham Agriculture
Maegan Lopez (Tohono O’odham) and Tohono O’odham Community College agriculturalist DeAnndra Porter continue this Mission Garden tradition of talks and demonstrations about O’odham agriculture. They talk about traditions associated with Native American crops and how crops brought by Europeans were integrated into O’odham agriculture. This month they talk about what’s happening during winter in gardens where most crops grow in the summer. Mission Garden | Learn more »
March 16 In-Person Event (Payson AZ): Below and Beyond Perry Mesa
With R.E. Burrillo. Burrillo will discuss an archaeological survey of 3,200 acres in Tonto National Forest that has revealed new discoveries of entire pueblo communities that challenge the existing models of settlement, agriculture, and regional exchange within the greater Verde River region. 10:00 a.m., Payson Public Library, 328 McLane Rd. Arizona Archaeological Society, Rim Country Chapter | Learn more »
REMINDER: March 16–17 In-Person Event (Sedona vicinity AZ): Beaver Creek Heritage Days
Celebrate Arizona Archaeology and Heritage Awareness Month and methods of Indigenous technologies with the USDA Forest Service, Arizona Archaeology Society: Verde Valley Chapter, Verde Valley Archaeology Center & Museum, and Friends of the Forest! Beaver Creek Heritage Days is a Verde Valley tradition, and returns for its first time since the Pandemic. Join us for a fun and inclusive two-day event featuring engaging activities for adults, kids, and families! Please join us in commemorating the renaming of V-V Ranch to The Crane Petroglyph Heritage Site. The Hopi Cultural Preservation Office, Yavapai-Apache Nation, and Forest Service were instrumental in adopting a new name that embraces Indigenous representation. 9:30 a.m.–3:00 p.m. Verde Valley Archaeology Center & Museum | Learn more »
Members of the Respect Great Bend and Save History teams will have a booth at this event. Come say hello!
March 18 Online and In-Person Event (Tucson AZ): Learning from the Grandmothers
With Diné weavers Barbara Teller Ornelas, Lynda Teller Pete, Kevin Aspaas, Calandra Cook, Elisio Curley, and TahNibaa Naataanii. In October 2023 six Diné weavers traveled to Washington, D.C. for a week to study historic and contemporary Navajo textiles at the National Museum of the American Indian, National Museum of Natural History, and The Textile Museum. Led and organized by master weavers and educators Barbara Teller Ornelas and Lynda Teller Pete, the seminar group also included emerging artists Kevin Aspaas, Calandra Cook, Elisio Curley, and TahNibaa Naataanii. Sponsored by the AAHS Traditional Technologies program, the seminar’s goals were to learn more about the yarns, dyes, and techniques used to create the older weavings, experience the artistry and resiliency of their weaving ancestors, create opportunities for artistic growth, and expand Diné perspectives in Navajo weaving education, interpretation, and scholarship. In this in-person presentation the participants will share their experiences from the seminar with the AAHS membership. They will also share examples of their weavings inspired by the research. Arizona Archaeological and Historical Society | Learn more »
March 23 In-Person Event (Tucson AZ): Basketry Showcase
To help celebrate the publication of Woven from the Center: Native Basketry in the Southwest by ASM Associate Curator Diane Dittemore (UA Press, 2023), basket weavers from around the region (many highlighted in the book) will show and sell their wares. Buy directly from artists Annie Antone (Tohono O’odham), Ruby Chimerica (Hopi), Austin Coochyamptewa (Hopi), Rikki Francisco (Akimel O’odham), Angelina and Elsie Holiday (Diné), Iva Casuse Honwynum (Hopi/Navajo), Terrol Dew Johnson and Tohono O’odham Basket Weavers, Kathy Kooyahoema (Hopi), Chris Lewis (Zuni), Jessica Lomatewama (Hopi), Shelden Nuñez-Velarde (Jicarilla Apache), Mary Pablo (Tohono O’odham), Leona Romero (Tohono O’odham), Evelyn Rope (Western Apache), Alberta Selina (Hopi), Lola Thomas (Tohono O’odham), August Wood (Salt River Pima-Maricopa), and others! Bring your copy of the book or buy one onsite ($75) for the author to sign. Also, take advantage of today’s free museum admission to view ASM’s exhibit “Woven through Time: American Treasures of Native Basketry and Fiber Art.” Arizona State Museum | Learn more »
Remember to send us notice of upcoming webinars and Zoom lectures, tours and workshops, and anything else you’d like to share with the Friends. Thanks!