Indigenous-led archaeology reshapes cultural stewardship and academic collaboration in Canada
Original framing: “Community-led indigenous archaeology in Canada” — bing news
Indigenous archaeology in Canada is rooted in the principle of Two-Eyed Seeing, which integrates Indigenous and Western knowledge systems. It emphasizes the importance of oral histories, land-based pedagogy, and community consent in research. This approach is not only methodological but also political, asserting Indigenous sovereignty over their histories and landscapes.
Indigenous-led archaeology in Canada is a transformative movement that challenges the colonial foundations of Western archaeology and asserts Indigenous sovereignty over knowledge and land.
It draws on deep historical and cross-cultural practices of land stewardship and knowledge transmission, while also engaging with scientific methods in a way that respects Indigenous protocols. The integration of artistic and spiritual practices into archaeological work highlights the holistic nature of Indigenous worldviews and the importance of ceremony in cultural preservation. Marginalized voices are not only included but centered in this approach, which redefines the purpose of archaeology as a tool for justice and reconciliation. By modeling ethical research through frameworks like PECR and supporting community-controlled funding, this movement offers a blueprint for decolonizing knowledge systems globally.