experiences of living people today; the total culture. The practicality of
people’s lifeway who reflect back into prehistory. Bring in information that
would be useful. Draw upon life experiences. Native Americans have to be
resourceful. When visit sites, these life experiences help interpret the
archaeology. Features will reflect its function. Look at the practical side of
things. When father died, on own as far as farming. Realized how much there
was to learn, and it came as second nature. He has a large field, probably
largest Hopi field. Practical aspects of humanity! Does not all have to be
tied to ceremonial, but the whole culture is what makes a person a member of
that tribe. Mapping project of Awatovi. Also mapping agriculture area for that
village. That is a part of the village, not just the village (architecture)
proper. Archaeologists can use these life experiences if they want to. There
is a romantic view of oral tradition. Tradition that is partly orally
expressed! Hopi history is a significant part of its religion. There are 34
clans in Hopi. There are rituals that take place every month that cover oral
history and the world view. No need to prove history in tangible form. But
today with western legal system, some things have to be proved. Hopi
interested in working with archaeologists. Can interact on certain levels.
Would like to see some of the old places. Look at rock art. Does it have
meaning. As long as tribes can formulate own agenda, can control flood gates
of research.
Lane - Navajo Nation. In process of evaluating oral tradition to find ways to
protect traditional places. Have a medicine man on staff. Hard to ask
information, and then to try to use it for different purposes. Lot of tribes
experience stresses, problems. Have traditions, but as a woman can not talk
about certain things, but has a deep respect for culture. Find not use
consultants like Hopi. Do not work with archaeologists, but have some working
for them and these archaeologists do as told. Do not use ethnology. NAGPRA
forcing them into cultural affiliation, and to define what is sacred. Just
getting into helpful discussions. Not integrating oral tradition is a parallel
to archaeology. Have different views of what comes up in staff meetings.
Compromise so work can go on.
Jenkins - Neglected resource is female informants. When dealing with rooms
talk to females.
Jackson - Lot of the archaeological sites are just the comforts of home for
the Native Americans. She only deals with ethnographic data. Lay ground work,
foundation for work. Life experience to be protected for future generations so
that there will be something for later. Have not done a written history. Their
history is not taught to their kind in the local school system. Everything on
earth relates. How to utilize resources. How to behave in culture. Want
archaeologists to leave sites alone. At times there is a purpose to research,
but basically would like to see avoidance - Always. But archaeology will go
on, but then there is protocol to approach a tribe for consultation, to
receive direction.
BREAK (10:40 11:03)
Dongoske - Wanted to hear from contract archaeologists.