Unit 5
Challenges to Archaeology

Overview

This final unit discusses the future of archaeology.

5.1 Directions for the Future

Introduction

Archaeology exists within a cultural system and is affected by changes that occur in other parts of society. This section discusses the impact of government legislation on archaeology, the CRM industry, public education, amateur archaeologists, women in archaeology, and a recognition of the need to affirm First Nations’ ownership of their archaeological resources and material culture. It suggests, as well, that the discipline is moving away from being a pure science and toward becoming an applied science that can make important contributions to society.

Objectives

When you have completed this section, you should be able to

1. define the terms “repatriation,” “cultural resource inventory,” “cultural resource management,” “public education,” and “compliance.”
2. describe the impact of the expansion of the government sector into archaeological research.
3. compare the goals of the contract archaeologist and the academic archaeologist.
4. describe the roles that amateur societies can fill that are not likely to be filled by professional archaeologists.
5. evaluate a community-based approach to archaeological research such as the one found in the Innu Pathways model.
6. discuss the debates about studying the past as they relate to the Alamo, the Bighorn Medicine Wheel, and Kennewick Man.
7. outline the contemporary social issues addressed by the Garbage Project.
8. discuss the significance of the “National Register,” “NAGPRA,” and the “RPA.”