Public archeology for the 21st century: Collaboration with an Arctic community
Principal Investigator: Lyons, Natasha L. (4)
Licence Number: 13795
Organization: University of Calgary
Licensed Year(s): 2006 2005
Issued: May 04, 2005

Objective(s): Archeologists are increasingly aware that engaging aboriginal peoples in research is essential. Public archeology is a branch of archeology that emphasizes community outreach and involvement. This study will develop a program of public archeology in collaboration with the Inuvialuit community in Aklavik. The community recognizes that Elders' knowledge is being lost at an unprecedented rate and this has spurred their interest in documenting oral histories. Data will be collected through interviews concerning the material culture of Inuvialuit traditional lifestyles, stories related to archeological projects that helped record the past, and present-day issues of ownership and legislation of archaeological materials. The significance of this research lies in the process of capacity building towards archeological heritage needs in the Inuvialuit community in Aklavik. The study will also serve as a pilot project in public archeology that will provide a set of best practices for archaeologyist working with indigenous communities across the north.