[Archport] "Being and Becoming Indigenous Archaeologists"

[Alexandre Monteiro <no.arame@gmail.com>]

"What an extraordinary volume! A decade ago, when I asked whether we needed
a "new and different" archaeology, Indigenous archaeology barely was on the
discipline's radar. There were but a few practitioners, most of them not
Indigenous people. A sizable Indigenous cadre of Indigenous archaeologists
has emerged since then, and many of their remarkable stories are in this
book. The pathways these scholars have taken to become archaeologists are
varied and fascinating, their achievements are remarkable, and their work
broadens archaeology's perspectives in much needed, truly positive ways.
George Nicholas, who probably has trained more Indigenous archaeologists
than anyone else, was the right person to assemble and edit the volume. He
introduces the biographies with sensitivity and compassion, providing a
solid introduction to Indigenous archaeology(ies) along the way, and even
better, he lets the authors' voices come through."

- Larry Zimmerman, Professor of Anthropology and Museum Studies, Indiana
University



What does being an archaeologist mean to Indigenous persons? How and why do
some become archaeologists? What has led them down a path to what some in
their communities have labeled a colonialist venture? What were are the
challenges they have faced, and the motivations that have allowed them to
succeed? How have they managed to balance traditional values and worldview
with Western modes of inquiry? And how are their contributions broadening
the scope of archaeology? Indigenous archaeologists have the often awkward
role of trying to serves as spokespeople both for their home community and
for the scientific community of archaeologists. This volume tells the
stories—in their own words-- of 37 Indigenous archaeologists from six
continents, how they became archaeologists, and how their dual role affects
their relationships with their community and their professional colleagues.


Being and Becoming Indigenous Archaeologists

George Nicholas

April 2010, 352 pages

http://lcoastpress.com/book.php?id=277

ISBN:  978-1-59874-497-2 (c)



PRICE:

$69.00 (U.S.), $69.00 (Canadian), £57.95 (Paper)