Southwest Archaeology Today

Southwest Archaeology Today (SAT) is a free, weekly e-mail news digest. In addition to sharing regional archaeology news, events, opportunities, and publications, SAT connects readers with news and commentary on U.S. public lands policy, global heritage protection and preservation, and the peopling of the North and South American continents. Review our submission guidelines here.

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Hopes for Restorations and Protections

Dear Friends, May you find occasion to use these words—increasingly—from today forward. Commitment Sacrifice Reverence Confidence Resilience Perseverance Persistence Diligence Resolve Steadfastness Restoration Optimism Engagement Hope Realism Respect Honor Honesty Rea...

Utah’s Grand County Commission Asks Biden Administration to Restore Bears Ears

Dear Friends, What a difference a week makes. My optimism of last week has been…deflated. But not suffocated. I expected 2021 to bring a heavy workload toward healing. Sadly, the load is heavier than I anticipated. So, I plan to work harder. And I hope to work smarter. There ar...

Federal Appropriations Bill Includes Chaco Protection

Dear Friends, The calendar page has turned and a new year is underway. On New Year’s Day, Linda Mayro, Director of Pima County’s Office of Sustainability and Conservation—and my wife—led me on an “expedition” to explore an archaeological site along the Santa Cruz River south of Tucs...

Congresswoman Debra Haaland Nominated to Be Next Secretary of the Interior

Dear Friends, This day after the winter solstice, the sun is setting. Things are quieting down—thankfully. I crammed the typical weekly Zoom hours into two days. It’s time for a break. Time for rest and reflection. At Archaeology Southwest, 2021 looks promising. We’re planning t...

Continuing Coverage: Fighting for Oak Flat

Dear Friends, It has been another long day in the field. But I’m not complaining—for me, these days out on the desert landscape are days of renewal, experiences that reignite my passion for what I do. Focusing my eyes on the ground so I don’t miss subtle, centuries-old physical remnants ...

San Juan County Commission Asks Incoming Administration to Restore Bears Ears

Dear Friends, I’ve long been interested in the historical role of archaeological nonprofit organizations in the United States (yes, there are many). And annually, during this stretch between Thanksgiving and the New Year, nonprofits send out year-end letters asking for support. Following my i...

Turkey Feather Blanket Analyzed

Dear Friends, I’ve been thinking about the articles you’ll be reading in this edition. It’s a bit earlier in the day than I usually write to you, as there’s an Archaeology Café coming up in a little bit tonight. I think you'll especially enjoy it—video soon. You know, I find tod...

“Everything we need to live a good life is here on earth”

Dear Friends, Last week I retained the glow of a wonderful trip to Tonto National Monument as I typed up my greetings to you. Today, the glow is just a remnant of eye strain from two days of Zoom session after Zoom session. Do I still have the perfect job? I’m sticking with “yes.” ...

Bears Ears Inter-Tribal Coalition Ready to Work with New Administration

Dear Friends, How do you know when you have the perfect job? For me, it’s when you get home after an 11-hour day and you’re relaxed, energized, and ready to face the ever-mounting challenges to Archaeology Southwest’s Preservation Archaeology mission. I left home just before 7:00 a.m....

Interior Appropriations Bill Excludes Chaco Protections

Dear Friends, Weeks are longer than they used to be. I can barely remember the geologic era of the last time I sat down on a Tuesday evening to write to you. That’s the problem with archaeologists: We expect time to be linear. Sometimes, it can be helpful to consider the antitheses ...

The Role of Diversity and Inclusion in Arizona Archaeology

Dear Friends, It’s hard to find inspiring words tonight as it becomes clear that relief from this never-ending election year remains elusive. So, breathe deeply and stay healthy. Vigorous advocacy and creative pursuit of healing continue to be our core priorities. Be well. We appreciate y...

Extensive Pleistocene Trackway Preserved in White Sands National Park

Dear Friends, It’s 8:30 p.m. on Tuesday evening. I just arrived home, fed the cats, fed myself, and sat down to write about my long, satisfying day out on the land. I'm glad that I first read the lengthy interview with Bruce Babbitt, one of the articles that follows. Bruce Babbitt’s story h...

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