2021
02
Nov
Lifeways of the Little Colorado River
Dear Friends,
“It’s impolite to talk behind someone’s back” is a phrase I’ve heard since I was a youngster. (Let’s not talk about how long ago that’s been…)
So I guess I’m going to be impolite today.
Skylar Begay, who began his work with Archaeology Southwest in Janu...
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2021
10
Aug
“Now is the time to celebrate America’s public lands…”
Dear Friends,
It would be interesting to ask today’s residents of cities in the US Southwest a simple question: “When was the last time you visited an archaeological site?” I predict many wrong answers. Many people would say “never,” and many more would try to recall when they last visi...
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2021
27
Jul
Continuing Coverage: Unauthorized Drilling at Petroglyph Site
Dear Friends,
I like to maintain a balance in my life.
Last week I endured six days of cool ocean breezes in San Diego. When you read this, I will be driving west from Tucson.
Balance will be achieved via two days in Las Vegas and one in Yuma…
Our current, unexpectedly generous...
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2021
30
Mar
As Women’s History Month Ends, Celebrate Women Archaeologists—and Consider the Future
Dear Friends:
Paul Reed here! I’m stepping in for Bill this week to share some Greater Chaco news.
Despite some recent media reports, the situation across the Greater Chaco Landscape is looking up. In addition to the confirmation of Deb Haaland as Interior Secretary, two recent developments ...
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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....
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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 ...
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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...
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2020
11
Sep
Connections to Place: An Interview with Todd Scissons
Stacy Ryan, Preservation Archaeologist, with Todd Scissons, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Pueblo of Acoma
(September 11, 2020)—Several months ago, I attended a webinar that focused on efforts to stop vandalism at archaeological sites and heard Todd Scissons, the Tribal Historic Preser...
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2020
08
Sep
George Frison Passes
Dear Friends,
Less than three months ago, my note to you linked to a blog post I published on June 17 that called on conscientious individuals and organizations to do more than simply post statements of support for Black Lives Matter. Compared to the magnitude of confronting America’s systemi...
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2020
14
Jul
Continuing Coverage: Administration to Announce “Revisions” to Bedrock Environmental Law
Dear Friends,
This past week, a four-story adobe building built in the early 1300s and known today as the Casa Grande has consumed many hours of my time. On Monday of last week, the manuscript for the reissue of our 2009 Archaeology Southwest Magazine on the Casa Grande Community was turned ove...
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2020
30
Jun
Lessons, not Warnings, from the Past
Dear Friends,
Working from home since mid-March has taken its toll. I had a chance to break out for almost 24 hours, and it was almost heavenly. On this last day of June, I went to Gila Bend and a bit beyond. (I realize you are all incredibly jealous! The weather was even unseasonably cool—only...
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2020
24
Mar
Educational and Public Archaeology Resources Online
Educational and Public Archaeology Resources Online
Last week, Lewis Borck (University of Missouri) organized a community-crowdsourced spreadsheet of archaeology/history-oriented educational and public content online as a resource for teachers and students looking for activities/readings/videos the...
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