2020
24
Nov
“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.”
...
more
2020
17
Nov
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....
more
2020
12
Nov
Following in Their Footsteps
Aaron M. Wright, Preservation Archaeologist
(November 12, 2020)—One aspect of ancient life in the Southwest that doesn’t get its fair share of attention is that people really got around. Movement was a regular part of life. Such is the case with the contemporary world, as well, in which peo...
more
2020
10
Nov
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 ...
more
2020
10
Nov
Archaeology Southwest Responds to Draft of FY2021 Interior Appropriations Bill
Taos, N.M. (November 10, 2020)—Today, the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies released a draft of the FY2021 Interior Appropriations Bill. It does not include the current language that prohibits leasing inside the Chaco buffer zone.
On behalf of...
more
2020
03
Nov
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...
more
2020
29
Oct
Honoring Those Who Have Passed
Kate Sarther, Communications Director
(October 29, 2020)—This weekend is a time when several cultural and faith traditions honor and celebrate those who have passed—a time when some would say the veil between worlds thins.
Earlier this week, Kathleen Bader and I took a look through our A...
more
2020
27
Oct
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...
more
2020
20
Oct
Bears Ears Monument Advisory Committee Meets as Judge Deliberates
Dear Friends,
For two reasons, I am in a good—very good—mood.
First, I am so grateful that I live in a county that knows how to do mail-in voting right. I am on my county’s permanent mail-in voter list, so my ballot automatically appeared in my home mailbox on October 8. I took the w...
more
2020
13
Oct
Panel Explores an Archaeology of Redress and Restorative Justice
Dear Friends,
My calendar called out two holidays on Monday: Indigenous Peoples' Day and Columbus Day. It was another reminder of the broad divisions within this country. Our lead story today points you to a thought-provoking discussion in which experts consider ways to bridge those divisions....
more
2020
06
Oct
Identifying Sites and Resources in Greater Chaco
Dear Friends,
I was pleased to see a major new initiative by the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation called the Monuments Project. Mellon has allocated $250 million over the next five years to this effort.
From what I gather, the focus is likely to favor urban settings. According to the New York Times...
more
2020
29
Sep
Archaeology Southwest Pilot Survey Informs on Chaco Protection Zone
Dear Friends,
This past Saturday was National Public Lands Day. I pretty seriously threw out my back on Friday, so I wasn’t up for a hike to celebrate this special day. But I did watch an amazing documentary on Patagonia’s YouTube site: “Public Trust: The Fight for America’s Public Lands....
more
Show More