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Title
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Indigenous Archaeology: American Indian Values and Scientific Practice
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Date
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2000
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Bibliographic Citation
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Watkins, Joe. 2000. Indigenous Archaeology: American Indian Values and Scientific Practice. Alta Mira Press, Walnut Creek.
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annotates
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The author argues for the necessity of an Indigenous Archaeology that respects and incorporates Indigenous traditions and values. Watkins asserts that this approach is essential for the future of American archaeology, which must adopt a new understanding of scientific objectivity and of the meaning of shared cultural patrimony. Specifically, Watkins emphasizes the importance of "indigenous populations control(ing) the quality and quantity of archaeology performed within their homelands" (Pg 185). In Part I, Watkins reviews the history of injustices and indignities experienced by Native Americans, detailing their grievances with the traditional conduct of archaeology. In Part II, he presents case studies from the United States and beyond, illustrating successful collaborations between archaeologists and Indigenous communities, as well as highlighting ongoing challenges.