Lay of the Land

An Improving Relationship

The legal battle over the remains of Kennewick Man, the 9,400year-old skeleton found near Kennewick, Washington, in 1996, seemed to pit Native Americans against archaeologists for control of the nation’s history. While that dispute did indeed emphasize (and exaggerate) conflict over the handling and disposition of human remains, it was only part of the story.

Spurred to some degree by the need to join forces to implement the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act of 1990, archaeologists and Indian tribes are working together more than ever before. In this issue of American Archaeology, we tell how non-Native archaeologists are working for the Eastern Pequot tribe in Connecticut to help the tribe better understand their history. This is not an isolated incident. All across America, archaeologists are working closely with tribes. More and more tribes are establishing their own historic preservation offices to gain a greater knowledge of their own history. They are hiring more archaeologists every year—both Native and non-Native. They are building state-of-the-art curation facilities and visitor centers on tribal lands with tribal money. The Conservancy works closely with these tribal archaeology programs to identify and preserve archaeological sites that are important to the tribes and the nation.

MARK MICHEL,President

For too many years, archaeologists were rightly viewed as non-Natives doing research on Natives. This situation is changing fast as the tribes devote more resources to studying their own past and more Native Americans become archaeological professionals. It is a positive development that needs all of the encouragement it can get.

Archaeology learning adventures!

Excavation andTravel programs in the Southwest and the world beyond.

©Branson Reynolds

Native American Art & Archaeology of New Mexico

An intimate look at New Mexico’s rich legacy of Native arts & crafts—through the artists’ eyes. July 10–17,2005

Woven Containers: A Navajo Basket Weaving Workshop

Create your own beautiful basket,guided by World-class Navajo weavers Lorraine and Sally Black. July 24–30,2005

Seasons & Cycles: Pathways of Pueblo Women

A fascinating exploration of the lives and times of Pueblo Indian women through history. July 31–August 6,2005

The Excavated Past

Walk through a millennium of intrigue in this retrospective study of archaeology in the Mesa Verde region. August 21–27,2005

For information and reservations Near Mesa Verde in Southwestern CO or for a Free 2005 program catalog 1-800-422-8975/www.crowcanyon.org