Reimagining Archaeology: Collaborative Futures through Ethnography
The start of a new semester always brings a mix of excitement, anticipation, and curiosity, but launching my class ANTH 575: Advanced Ethnographic Research Methods feels particularly special. This course isn't just about learning methodologies—it’s about reshaping what archaeology in California can be by centering Indigenous voices, applying community-based participatory research (CBPR), and integrating oral history into archaeological practice. It’s about equipping students with tools to collaborate meaningfully with communities while asking ourselves tough questions about the future of our discipline. The class is taught in collaboration with and funded by the Office of Community Engagement at CSUN.
Why this course matters now
Archaeology has a long history of working on Indigenous lands but rarely working with Indigenous communities. That dynamic is changing, albeit slowly, and courses like ANTH 575 are part of that transformation. We’re exploring how ethnography can serve as a bridge between archaeology and the communities whose histories and heritage we study. By collaborating with local communities, and asking how archaeology can serve them first, we aim to challenge colonial narratives and reimagine what socially responsible archaeology can look like.
The class revolves around two key components: community collaboration and oral histories. In Part I, students will engage with the Barbareño/Ventureño Band of Mission Indians (BVBMI) to learn about their priorities in undertaking this project. This involves listening—truly listening—to understand what aspects of their heritage matter most to them and why. In Part II, we’ll dive into oral histories by using them as a tool to preserve the stories of archaeologists and the broader historical contexts they worked within. These two elements are united by a common goal: to decenter the archaeologist as the sole authority and embrace a more collaborative and inclusive approach. We are essentially rewinding the tape on archaeological practice in the past to explore what Indigenous communities want to know.
Students as changemakers
One of the most rewarding aspects of teaching this class is seeing my students take ownership of these ideas. From the outset, I emphasized that they are not just participants in a course—they are active contributors to a larger movement that is reshaping archaeology in California. By engaging in ethnography, CBPR, and oral history, they are actively challenging outdated norms and creating space for new, more equitable practices.
The big questions we’re tackling
At its core, this course asks some fundamental questions:
How can decolonizing methodologies transform traditional archaeological practices?
What role does ethnography play in advancing social justice and collaboration in archaeology?
How can oral histories help us better understand the past while also addressing gaps in our own discipline?
These aren’t easy questions, but they’re necessary ones. The answers will not come from me alone—they will emerge through our collective efforts as a class, guided by the insights and priorities of the communities we work with.
Looking ahead
As we move forward, I’m excited to see how my students’ ideas evolve and how they approach the challenge of conducting collaborative, respectful, and impactful research. Through blog assignments, group discussions, and their final symposium, they will have the opportunity to reflect on their learning and contribute to broader conversations about the future of archaeology.
Ultimately, this class is about more than mastering methods—it’s about transforming the discipline to better serve the communities whose stories we seek to tell. My hope is that ANTH 575 will not only provide students with practical skills but also inspire them to be advocates for change, champions of collaboration, and stewards of heritage in ways that honor the past and empower the present.
Stay tuned for more updates as we dive deeper into this journey. We’re not just learning about archaeology; we’re reshaping it.
