Talking Circle 6
Upon thinking about what archaeology is, I always had ideas that it was digging up artifacts
and objects and learning about the history of it. After reading Atalay’s article and watching
the videos for this week’s module, I learned that archaeology is comprised of much more than
simply digging up objects and learning its history. Archaeology studies much about various
groups of people, learning what culture and traditions were like many years ago, how it all
differs from modern days, including much more.
I believe that anyone wishing to do so and with will to add knowledge of the past, should have
the right to examine, teach and write about the past. However, ethics and fairness need to be
put into place to ensure no cultural group is harmed or discriminated against or exploited.
Respect is the key for all here.
“Who should profit from knowledge-creation about the past?” Everyone should benefit from
archaeological knowledge. However, this only applies to an extent. My point is, wherever the
archaeological exploration is being conducted, the people of the area and cultural group being
studied would benefit the most. Furthermore, everyone would benefit by being able to learn
new knowledge of the past.
The tenets described by Atalay are imperative because collaboration and gikinawaabi are
essential for future studies. If groups are a variable of the study, they should be involved in
the study itself and not just their cultural ways. She discusses that things need to be kept in
order, so no discriminations or ethical concerns arise with people, especially Indigenous
Peoples.
Atalay, S. (2006). Indigenous archaeology as decolonizing practice. The American Indian
Quarterly, 30(3/4), 280-310.
