Author: Sanuli Wijayasundara | Editor: Ruonan Zhao | Photographers: Rio Jonathan & Anirudh Kashyap
In the face of deep-rooted cultural erasure, Indigenous archaeology emerges as a potential catalyst for reclaiming cultural heritage and decolonizing the narrative.
Indigenous archaeology is an umbrella term for a plurality of approaches conducted by, for, and with Indigenous peoples. It challenges traditional Western archaeology through its focus on specific principles, methods, and dedication to advancing justice, reconciliation, and healing (Lewis, n.d.).
To understand this mechanism of decolonization, it is necessary to reflect on the relationship between archeology and colonialism in the past.
For much of the twentieth century, the narrative constructed about Western archaeology often portrayed a romanticized view of archaeological activities in colonized regions. These narratives typically overlooked the political implications of archaeology and rationalized the appropriation of cultural artifacts from these colonized areas (Moro-Abadía, 2006).
In North America, archaeologists frequently relocated artifacts and ancestral remains from their original locations to colonial institutions. These institutions then exhibited these items without obtaining consent from the communities they had taken from (Supernant, 2020). In many cases, archaeological discussions were used to support false racial myths suggesting that Indigenous cultures were somehow less evolved and thus legitimized European colonization (Moro-Abadía, 2006).
This is concurred by Cree/Métis archaeologist Paulette Steeves, who expressed that the last century of archaeology has invalidated the pre-contact history of the Americas — and the people who lived there for thousands of years in an interview with CBC.
"[Indigenous youth] are not made aware of the really amazing, amazing accomplishments of humans in the Western Hemisphere. It's just all ignored," she said.
It wasn’t until the anti-colonial movements of the 1970s and 80s that strategies were developed for preserving and reclaiming cultural heritage, including Indigenous archaeology, as a means to recover from centuries of colonization's impact on Indigenous identity and heritage (Supernant, 2020).
Today, Indigenous archaeology has grown into a movement with various forms but, according to The Canadian Encyclopedia, there are several core principles of Indigenous archaeology. These include:
Engaging Indigenous communities in archaeological work conducted on their ancestral lands and territories.
Recognizing the significance of archaeology as a means of understanding history, while respecting the unique historical narratives of Indigenous peoples.
Acknowledging the rightful custodianship of Indigenous peoples over their cultural heritage, aligning with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Committing to enhancing the inclusivity of the discipline by valuing Indigenous knowledge and creating a welcoming environment for Indigenous individuals.
Practicing archaeology through close collaboration with Indigenous communities, prioritizing the amplification of Indigenous voices and addressing their specific needs.
Exploring alternative theories and methods for interpreting the past, founded on Indigenous perspectives and ways of knowing and existing (Supernant, 2020).
The impacts of Indigenous archaeology as a means of empowering a generation of Indigenous peoples to reclaim their heritage can already be seen.
In one instance, a team of archaeologists and experts orchestrated a visit by the Inuvialuit people to the Smithsonian in 2009, in order for them to engage with artifacts. This visit sparked a process of reinterpreting cultural items, reviving traditional practices, and creating educational materials for schools. In the end, the experience was a powerful illustration of how reconnecting Indigenous communities with their archaeological heritage can contribute to cultural revitalization within these communities. To preserve the collaboration between archaeologists, museum professionals, and the community, an interactive website has been established, ensuring ongoing access to resources and the collection for the community's benefit (Supernant, 2020).
The "Exploring Métis Identity Through Archaeology" project serves as a compelling testament to the profound influence of Indigenous archaeology. Developed at the University of Alberta in 2012, it was the first Métis-led archaeological project surrounding Métis heritage. Archaeologists worked collaboratively with the Métis community to find accurate and precise information regarding topics such as land rights and inhabited areas during the 1900s. The data helped Métis connect to their history in a new way as well as practice their rights over cultural knowledge, experience, and tradition (Supernant, 2020).
Archaeologists are increasingly embracing the idea that humans lived in North and South America for much longer than previously believed, something that Steeves promotes. This shift in perspective is seen as a valuable step in combating stereotypes and racial biases against Indigenous communities. This change owes its success not only to technological advancements like DNA analysis and radiocarbon dating but also to the emergence of fresh perspectives and innovative thinkers (Beaulne, 2023).
Jennifer Tenasco, who lost the strongest tie to her culture when she moved from her home community of Kitigan Zibi, contends that Indigenous oral history has never “measured up” to scientific standards. That being said, archaeology acts as a medium between Western scientific knowledge and Indigenous tradition; a way to prove that Tenasco’s “ancestors have been here since time immemorial."
"It's just weird when non-Indigenous people are telling our people our own history when … we know our history," Tenasco said in an interview with CBC.
"We should be telling them our history and not the other way around."
References
Beaulne, L. (2023, May 27). 'We were anything but primitive': How Indigenous-led archaeology is challenging colonial preconceptions. CBC. https://www.cbc.ca/radio/unreserved/indigenous-led-archaeology-1.6854258
Lewis, E. (n.d.). Indigenous Archaeologies – SAPIENS. SAPIENS.org. Retrieved September 3, 2023, from https://www.sapiens.org/teaching-unit/indigenous-archaeologies/
Moro-Abadía, O. (2006, November 21). The History of Archaeology as a ‘Colonial Discourse’. Archives of European Archaeology, 16(2), 4-17. 10.5334/bha.16202
Supernant, K. (2020, November 26). Indigenous Archaeology in Canada. The Canadian Encyclopedia. https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca/en/article/indigenous-archaeology-in-canada
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