Dear Friends,
Last week Archaeology Southwest Vice President of Communications & Outreach (and editor of this newsletter) Kate Sarther received an inquiry from a national reporter who wanted to know our thoughts on possible threats to landscape and cultural heritage preservation efforts under a new federal administration. Kate connected the reporter with Vice President of Preservation & Collaboration John Welch and New Mexico State Director Paul Reed. John and Paul have decades-long experience working with the federal government in a number of preservation-related capacities. I’d therefore like to share parts of their responses here, because they eloquently express how Archaeology Southwest will continue to operate in the next administration and beyond.
In his email reply, John emphasized that “Archaeology Southwest is not a partisan organization. We’ve thrived through several different federal administrations and we intend to continue safeguarding, learning, advocating, and sharing into the indefinite future. We will continue to encourage ALL of our friends and colleagues to embrace environmental and cultural conservation as essential foundations for American strength and vitality.”
He went on to remind the reporter that “Archaeology Southwest’s mission centers on the protection of places and their associated values—not only historical, ecological, and scientific, but also cultural, aesthetic, and economic—that provide individuals and communities with essential senses of identity, belonging, and inspiration. We do this work in collaboration with a broad spectrum of public, private, and perhaps most importantly, Tribal collaborators. We boost protections for broadly treasured places not via top-down fiat, but via bottom-up demonstrations of their diverse values. We use any legal tool available to secure those essential protections. This includes research-based advocacy-outreach, public education, building our modest portfolio of privately owned archaeological preserves, and litigation when all else fails.”
Spot on.
Paul’s response, also by email, focused more specifically on three possible threats. To paraphrase:
The first is to federal funding, both sources and levels. The incoming president’s first administration tried to cut funding for historic preservation, cultural work by Tribal Nations, and specific federal laws protect cultural sites. It is possible his second administration will re-engage that threat. We currently receive funding from the National Science Foundation, the National Endowment for the Humanities, and the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and we support the cultural heritage protections codified in the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, and the Antiquities Act. We’ll closely monitor the statuses of these laws and agencies.
The second threat is to the full boundaries of Bears Ears National Monument (BENM), which Obama created in 2016, as well as to the boundaries of any and all landscape-scale national monuments. The incoming president’s first administration cut the Obama boundaries by about 85% in December 2017. The Biden Administration then reinstated BENM to its full, original boundary in October 2021. It is possible the incoming president’s second administration will again reduce BENM boundaries. Our support for BENM and the Tribes coalesced around its integrity will not waiver.
The third threat Paul identified is to the 10-mile protection zone around Chaco Canyon National Historical Park that prohibits mineral (most notably oil and gas) extraction until 2043. Archaeology Southwest, and Paul in particular, was critical to that zone’s establishment, which was only codified last year. Archaeology Southwest will challenge any proposed changes to this important zone.
Last week, I said I take great comfort in knowing Archaeology Southwest’s “Why.”
This week, I’d like to recognize our “Who.”
I have a tremendous amount of confidence in Archaeology Southwest’s experts, including Kate, John, and Paul, and the rest of the team. We will continue to study, advocate, collaborate, and disseminate on behalf of heritage places and the knowledge, meaning, and values they hold. I take great pride in knowing that, with this team in place, Archaeology Southwest will remain effective, relevant, and productive in the heritage preservation space for decades to come.
Until next week,
Steve Nash
President & CEO, Archaeology Southwest
Banner image: A view of Yucca House National Monument, courtesy of the National Park Trust
Yucca House National Monument Expands
A 160-acre addition to Yucca House National Monument in southwestern Colorado is expected to help strengthen preservation of the site that protects an ancient community of around 600 rooms surrounding a life-giving spring that supported the area’s agriculture and daily life. The land acquisition, from Bernard and Nancy Karwick, was orchestrated by the National Park Trust. It expands the monument by six times its previous size, to 194 acres. “National Park Trust’s dedication has played a crucial role in successfully expanding Yucca House National Monument. Their swift action and partnership in securing this 160-acre parcel have ensured the preservation of one of Colorado’s most significant archaeological sites,” said Kayci Cook Collins, the National Park Service superintendent for both Mesa Verde National Park and Yucca House National Monument. “The land expands the boundary of Yucca House National Monument and helps ensure the ongoing preservation of one of Colorado’s significant archeological sites.” National Parks Traveler | Read more »
Are Moose Endemic to the Rockies? Archaeology Contributes to Answers and Solutions
As a recent piece in Smithsonian magazine put it, although “the animals appear in a few scattered accounts from settlers in the mid-1800s,” officials “generally agree that Colorado never supported a breeding population.” In the past, similar arguments have been offered for moose living Wyoming and Idaho. But the basis of this view is not especially clear. As archaeologists, historical ecologists, and paleoecologists, we study the long-term history of human and nonhuman animal relationships. This research requires thinking about ecological questions on timelines that span centuries to millennia, longer than is standard in some other areas of science. Studying the deep past means puzzling together various pieces of evidence—including historical records, archaeological materials, and paleoenvironmental proxies—to understand how animal communities change. This panoramic perspective is often necessary for designing effective management programs in increasingly threatened ecosystems, whether for moose in Colorado or other species around the world. William Taylor, Chance Ward, Emily Lena Jones, Jonathan Dembrowsky, and John Wendt for SAPIENS | Read more »
Caught on Camera: Don’t Be Like These People
On November 4, federal authorities issued misdemeanor charges against two Colorado residents for allegedly stealing historic artifacts from a roped-off area within Utah’s Canyonlands National Park this past March. The residents, identified as Roxanne McKnight, 39, and Dusty Spencer, 43, both of Pagosa Springs, allegedly entered the signed closure area around Cave Spring Cowboy Camp on March 23. According to a release from the U.S. attorney’s office in Utah, the two then “handled and stole numerous historic artifacts.” Cave Spring Cowboy Camp sits at the end of a popular, 0.6-mile hiking loop within Canyonlands National Park’s Needles District. The sandstone cavern houses a historic campsite that cowboys used during cross-country cattle drives in the early Twentieth Century. Corey Buhay for Outside Magazine | Read more »
Winter Treats: Zuni Parched Corn
For the Zuni of northern New Mexico, a favorite food of winter is parched corn. They say it’s to be made only in the winter months—if prepared during the growing season, it may adversely affect the fresh corn crops in the field. Here’s the recipe: Build a fire in a fireplace, and put a cast iron pot inside resting on a stack of rocks, bricks, or a steel grill. Tilt the pot forward to make it easier to stir the corn. Slender willow sticks about a quarter inch in diameter and two to three feet long are the stirring implements of choice. The next ingredient is sand. Gary Alpert for Earth Notes (KNAU public radio) | Read more or listen now »
Kindling Connections with Fire Fuels
The BLM routinely treats landscapes through prescribed burns and thinning trees to allow for other plant life to reestablish, like sage—bringing them back into their historic ranges. This allows the agency to meet specific goals for managing the lands BLM stewards, while also providing an opportunity to support the local community. In Utah’s Canyon Country District, the East Canyon Project, which focused on habitat improvement for mule deer and the threatened Gunnison sage grouse, included one more novel benefit: providing wood for home heating, cooking, and other uses, to residents of San Juan County including Ute and Navajo lands. Jonathan Jew and Anna Rehkopf for the Bureau of Land Management | Read more »
Now Available: Pottery Southwest Vol. 39, Nos. 1–4
This edition includes a lead article on the stylistic connection between Mesa Verde B/w and the White Mt. Redwares, by Hayward Franklin. Also included are book reviews by Peter McKenna. Albuquerque Archaeological Society | Download now (PDF) »
Commentary: Some Kids’ Picture Book Recommendations for This Holiday Season
“The Animal People Choose a Leader” by Richard Wagamese is a wonderful story with wise messages. The Animal People are selecting a leader. After discussing some of the attributes that a leader should possess, a squirrel suggests the winner of a race be the leader. Four animals—Horse, Buffalo, Cougar and Wolverine—enter the race, which is overseen by Eagle, who says the race will consist of four laps around a lake. When Eagle asks if anyone else wants to participate, Waabooz the rabbit enters the race. …
“Coming Home: A Hopi Resistance Story” by Mavasta Honyouti is an inspirational and beautifully illustrated picture book about family and culture. Honyouti learns what life was like for his grandfather when he was a boy. And it was a difficult childhood about life in a residential boarding school. … The picture book is written in both English and Hopi and features 16 stunning original painted wood carvings. At the back of the book, there are informative sections on history and learning, translation and the art of Mavasta Honyouti. Glenn Perrett for Toronto.com | Learn more »
Position Announcement: Statewide Manager for Native American Diversity & Inclusion (IL)
The State of Illinois is looking for a few dynamic, detail-oriented leaders to advocate for the Native American community across Illinois. In the inaugural Statewide Manager for Native American Diversity & Inclusion role, you’ll conduct statewide assessments, set and track diversity goals, advise a Governor-appointed advisory council, and spearhead inclusion initiatives. You’ll also engage directly with community organizations and leaders, ensuring their voices are heard in shaping an equitable workforce. Posted in Indian Country Today | Learn more »
Position Announcement: Environmental Program Manager (AZ)
The Archaeologist/Cultural Resource Compliance Manager position supports AZGFD’s Project Evaluation Program (PEP). PEP provides environmental services for AZGFD activities through compliance with regulatory requirements, assuring that all AZGFD projects comply with environmental laws. The purpose of the Archaeologist – CRCM will be to ensure all project activities are in compliance with cultural resource laws and to advise, facilitate, and plan the protection, preservation, and management of historic and archaeological resources for Arizona Game and Fish Commission properties. Arizona Game and Fish | Learn more »
November Live Lectures (Santa Fe NM)
Nov. 18, Paul Minnis, Reframing Paquimé: My Final Thoughts after Forty Years; Nov. 25, Kerry Frances Thompson (Diné), To Be Diné: Southwestern Archaeology, Oral Tradition & the Story of the Navajo. $20 at the door or $75 for the series of 4 lectures. Southwest Seminars | Learn more »
TODAY: REMINDER: Nov. 14 Online Event: Intersecting Community-Based Participatory Research, Native Nation Building, and Community Gardens
With Matthew Kirk Tafoya. A common global denominator of Indigenous people is poor health, and the colonial settler states that are charged with providing healthcare are perplexed, misguided, or in denial as to the root causes. Matthew makes the case that depressed Indigenous social ecologies like American Indian reservations are intentional colonial constructs designed to handicap the population, thus producing intergenerational populations of health disparities. The Western world has spent decades and millions of dollars on research trying to figure out why Indigenous people are disproportionately unhealthy compared to their colonial counterparts but has produced little to no answers. An Indigenous researcher proposes a social ecological approach that is democratic, decolonized, and designed to provide adaptations to colonization and climate change. Combining two facilitation strategies, Community-Based Participatory Research and Native Nation Building, under social ecology theory, Matthew utilizes community gardens to be the mechanism to increase access to healthy and traditional food. Crow Canyon Archaeological Center | Learn more and register (free) »
Nov. 15 In-Person Event (Phoenix AZ): Erasing History to Save It: Archaeology of the Historical Portland Tract
With Matthew Kroot. Dr. Kroot recently led an archaeological training program at the Hohokam site of S’edav Va’aki in Phoenix, uncovering a Hohokam structure and 20th-century artifacts linked to the historic Portland Tract, America’s first proposed restricted district for Black residents. Learn how these discoveries, along with archival research, are shedding new light on the history of the Portland Tract. 10:00 a.m. Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve (Arizona State University) | Learn more »
REMINDER: Nov. 17 In-Person Event (Tucson AZ): Saloons of Territorial Tucson
Archaeologist and historian Homer Thiel will present on his book Saloons of Territorial Tucson. What were the saloons of Territorial Tucson like? Were there bar brawls and barmaids in skimpy outfits? Why were saloons so popular? Homer Thiel has researched the saloons of Tucson from 1860 to 1914, preparing a new volume with entries for each saloon, biographies of prominent individuals involved in the saloon industry, and a detailed description of what saloons looked like inside and outside. Copies of his book will be available for sale after the lecture. $10 entry fee. Presidio Museum | Learn more »
REMINDER: Nov. 20 Online Event: Pueblo Baseball
In honor of Native American Heritage Month, join us for a lively discussion of the central role of mentorship in the culture of Pueblo baseball. The Panel Discussion will feature members of the Pueblo baseball community that will share their experiences of mentorship in this annual summer pastime while reflecting on the past and future of the sport. Pre-registration for this Zoom webinar is required. Indian Pueblo Cultural Center | Learn more and register (free) »
Nov. 21 Online Film Screening: Continuity through Creation
This film is an intimate journey through the hands and hearts of 5 Zuni artists. Through weaving, pottery, jewelry making, fetish carving and beading, viewers will be invited to learn more about the technicality of the crafts themselves, as well as the deep history and continuation of culture each art form holds. The artists will be discussing their own personal histories, as well as what inspires them to continue the tradition to create. Parts of the film are interview style, while other segments of the film are a deep visual journey with the art being created in front of the lens. Crow Canyon Archaeological Center | Learn more and register (free) »
Dec. 3 In-Person Event (Tucson AZ): The History of the Coast Salish Woolly Dogs
With Audrey T. Lin. Dr. Lin integrates genomics and Indigenous knowledge to illuminate the life, history, and loss of Coast Salish woolly dogs of the Pacific Northwest. Video available on our YouTube channel a few days after the talk. Archaeology Café (Archaeology Southwest) | Learn more »
Dec. 14 In-Person Event (Topawa AZ): Celebration of the Arts
Join us as we celebrate the arts with an O’odham artist market, presentations, demonstrations, traditional singing & dancing, Waila music, and food for purchase. Himdag Ki: (Tohono O’odham Nation Cultural Center & Museum) | Learn more »
Dec. 14 In-Person Event (Phoenix AZ): Tales from the Land Exhibit Premiere
Celebrate our 30th anniversary at this exhibition opening, 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Discover the land’s rich history, from its role as a home for petroglyph makers to its transformation into an archaeological site and preserve. View historic images and learn how the land has evolved over time. Deer Valley Petroglyph Preserve (Arizona State University) | Learn more »
Remember to send us notice of upcoming in-person events, webinars and Zoom lectures, tours and workshops, and anything else you’d like to share with the Friends. Thanks!