T17/S01: Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (U.S.): Indigenous Cultural Resources Management and Policy
Format: Panel Discussion
Organisers: Valerie Grussing, National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers
Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) play a unique and critical role in the U.S., and this panel will be an opportunity for broader discussion and networking around national level policy of Indigenous archaeology and cultural resources, including challenges and opportunities. Is it timely to reflect on the victories and shortfalls of the past few years, as well as add context and strengthen connections globally.
This panel will be a conversation with THPOs about the sacred and necessary work they are doing, the challenges they face, and how they find strength in community. Topics may include archaeology, repatriation, protecting sacred sites, place renaming, cultural resource preservation, consultation on renewable energy development, ecosystem and species restoration, and more.
Fundamentally, the U.S. does not uphold Free and Prior Informed Consent as articulated in the UNDRIP. NATHPO supports THPOs in making the most of the existing legal framework while also working towards changes that support Tribal sovereignty. We also hope this panel will facilitate international relationships and promote knowledge exchange that can help find paths to the U.N. Permanent Forum on Indigenous Issues, which promotes full application of the UNDRIP.
Culture heals people, and THPOs do the work of reforging connections damaged through processes of colonisation and assimilation. The world archaeological community can help empower Tribal preservation leaders to better protect Native places holistically and make progress toward this vision.
T17/S02: Indigenous Archaeologies in the Global South
Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Organisers: Patricia Ayala, Departamento de Antropología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Chile, Chile; ruth.ayala@uchile.cl
Mariana Petry Cabral, Archaeology, Departamento de Antropologia e Arqueologia, Universidade Federal de Minas Gerais, Brazil; nanacabral75@gmail.com
In the Global South there is a growing number of research projects committed to collaborative and Indigenous archaeology, characterised by diverse theoretical and methodological approaches. These range from the integration of ethnography for various purposes, memory work, and the application of participatory action research, to experimentation with Indigenous concepts and philosophies in archaeological practice. Reflecting on projects that fall under Indigenous archaeologies, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous researchers from different continents have contributed significant insights, bringing theoretical and methodological approaches through local peculiarities and varying relational strategies. The experiences of Indigenous archaeologies have demonstrated the transformative potential of archaeological practices grounded in local thought, offering alternative paths that challenge the hegemonic and normative frameworks of the discipline. In this roundtable, we invite you to explore the characteristics and diversity Indigenous archaeologies have acquired in the Global South, as well as their capacity to inspire new forms of archaeology.]
T17/S03: Archaeology and Extractivism
Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Organisers: Dra(c) Claudia Ogalde Herrera, Programa de Doctorado en Antropología, Universidad de Tarapacá, Universidad Católica del Norte (UTA-UCN), Chile, c.ogaldeherrera@gmail.com
Dra Patricia Ayala Rocabado. Departamento de Antropología, Facultad de Ciencias Sociales, Universidad de Chile, Chile, ruth.ayala@uchile.cl
The historical relationship between archaeology and extractivism is addressed, emphasising how science and archaeology have been linked to the exploitation of conquered and colonised territories. Colonialism and the expansion of imperialism considered both the plundering of natural resources and the collection of cultural elements to study them, including the appropriation of traditional knowledge and scientific expeditions that motivated the collecting of objects, human remains and collections that led to global trade networks. The emergence of archaeology supported the construction of biased representations of native cultures, justifying the exploitation of communities and local knowledge, the excavation of sites and cemeteries, and the collection of samples and collections for scientific purposes.
The formation of nation-states perpetuated this model of scientific extractivism, with museums established for the exhibition of these collections and spectacles such as museums and human zoos, reinforcing nationalist and hegemonic discourses supported by the development of archaeology. The global advance of capitalism and the consolidation of extractive and neoliberal economic models has also led the development of large-scale industries and investment projects, which represent an important source of employment for archaeologists under the auspices of contract archaeology, often criticised for its instrumentalisation in service of economic interests and political clientelism, without considering the impacts on local communities and the environment.
This session proposes a critical reflection on the relationship between archaeology and different forms of extractivism, emphasising its connection with scientific extractivism and the production of knowledge, while examining how extractive industries influence archaeological praxis, protection of archaeological heritage and the development of knowledge about the past. Furthermore, it seeks proposals and reflections on how archaeology can contribute to the decolonisation of the sciences and the production of knowledge. In this framework, papers are invited that address various aspects related to the intersection between archaeology, extractivism and decolonisation.
T17/S04: Preserving Heritage: Strategies for Sustainable Management and Economic Valuation
Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Organisers: Dr Asmita Basu, Asst. Professor, Army Institute of Management, Kolkata, India, asmita.basu2011@gmail.com
Heritage management plays a crucial role in preserving cultural and historical assets while ensuring their sustainable use for future generations. Effective strategies integrate conservation efforts with economic valuation to highlight the tangible and intangible benefits of heritage sites. This session explores the intersection of heritage preservation and economic sustainability, emphasising frameworks for assessing cultural assets, funding mechanisms, and policy interventions. It will delve into different traditional and contemporary valuation methodologies to quantify heritage’s socio-economic impact. Additionally, case studies will illustrate how heritage sites contribute to tourism, local economies, and community development. By aligning heritage conservation with economic principles, this session aims to foster a balanced approach that ensures both cultural significance and financial viability. This session also invites discussions on sustainable development of less-known archaeological sites, rich in cultural resources, beyond the purview of the list of World Heritage sites.
T17/S05: Political Histories, Academic Institutions, and Archaeological Heritage in the Global South: Debates and Future Perspectives
Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Organisers: Dra Mónica A. Berón, Buenos Aires University, National Council of Scientific and Technological Research, Argentina (IDECU-CONICET), Argentina, monberon56@yahoo.com.ar
Dr Mariano Bonomo, La Plata University- National Council of Scientific and Technological Research, Argentina (CONICET), Argentina, mbonomo@fcnym.unlp.edu.ar
Dra Camila Gianotti Garcia, Republica University, Landscape Archaeology Laboratory, Uruguay, camila.gianotti@lappu.edu.uy
This session aims to analyse the historical trajectories of institutions and key actors involved in the research, education, and management of archaeological heritage in the Global South. It will examine the sociopolitical changes that have influenced the academic and scientific field, the creation of institutions, and the development of heritage protection regulations. It will also reflect on international debates concerning cultural sovereignty and the need for intercultural approaches to inclusive and sustainable heritage management.
The session will address the historical and political contexts that have shaped the course of archaeology in various regions, highlighting the process of institutionalizing archaeology, from a non-professional activity to a formal academic discipline. The role of universities and scientific societies in creating academic programs and regulating the discipline will be explored, as well as early efforts to create regulations for heritage protection.
Another key theme will be to critically analyse the relationship between international regulations, such as those promoted by UNESCO, and national policies on cultural sovereignty and heritage protection. The session will discuss how countries in the Global South have balanced the protection of their heritage with international demands, often in conflict with national policies on economic development and cultural sovereignty.
Finally, new perspectives on archaeological heritage management will be discussed, focusing on the involvement of local communities and promoting an intercultural and sustainable approach, alongside proposals and practical experiences. The session will highlight the importance of including communities in decisions about conservation and interpretation of heritage and explore sustainable management models that respect both traditional knowledge and best scientific practices.
Presentations analysing case studies from different countries in the Global South will be invited to reflect on the challenges and future opportunities for heritage management in these regions and to formulate recommendations for improving collaboration between local actors, academics, and international organisations.
T17/S06: Rethinking Global Perspectives on Museums: From Managing Heritage to Engaging Communities
Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Organisers:
Vishi Upadhyay
Curator, Bihar Museum, Patna, India
vishi.arch@gmail.com
Kamani Perera
Manager—Research & Development, Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, Sri Lanka
kamani@cipmlk.org
Roshan Mishra
Director, Taragaon Next, Kathmandu, Nepal
write2roshan@gmail.com
Yongjun Kim
Professor, Institute of Cultural Heritage, Korea University, Korea
akedmina@naver.com
Until the 20th century, educating the public about cultural inheritance was a key museum objective, popular in a few public domains like history and archaeology. Over time, in the 21st century, various novel approaches have played a vital role in advancing museum industries led by younger generations employing existing and new technologies. Along with gaining education and information from museums, people these days are looking for experimental learning filled with joyous entertainment to enhance their palpable experience before they exit the museum. General visitors, like tourists and professionals, have developed formal and informal networks in peer review feedback systems through social media, leading to decision-making on new visitors. The financially stable museums can lead digital innovation to engage new generations; augmented reality (AR) and artificial intelligence (AI) have added fresh approaches to age-old heritage narratives. This has dramatically involved visitors in digital practices. Additionally, museums have significantly impacted how archaeological heritages of a region or nation are managed and studied, shaping their role in research and community engagement.
This session will explore how museums have been handling their regional responsibilities, competing with global collaborations, and creating new narratives by (re)interpreting accumulated collections to engage modern audiences, especially visitors of different age groups and diverse cultural backgrounds. Such underlying discussions on the evolving role of museums in archaeological research emphasise how museums can act as dynamic spaces for heritage preservation, cultural engagement, research innovation, and the 21st-century challenges that are taken up here. We, therefore, invite contributions touching on the lines such as archaeological materials in research, museum curation, museum management, public outreach programs, innovative curatorial practices, sustainable conservation methods, community-driven programs, educational resources, social and cultural relevancy, innovation, digitalisation and digitisation, innovative curatorial practices, community engagement programs, sustainable practices, conservation and preservation of heritage sites, storytelling, and new interpretations. This session welcomes worldwide researchers, museum professionals, conservators, archaeologists, and faculty members to contribute papers, no matter if the museum you work for is a ‘small scale/start-up museum’ or a ‘big museum’, and we look forward to engaging in impactful discussions.
T17/S07: From Relics to Vision: The Role of Museums in Shaping Cultural Futures
Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Organisers: Dr Sunil Kumar Jha, Deputy Director, Bihar Museum, Patna, Bihar, India, suniljhaasi@gmail.com
Shanker Sharma, Ass. Prof., Magadh University, Bihar, India, shanker.sharma74@yahoo.co.in
Museums are vital institutions in safeguarding cultural heritage, acting as bridges between the past, present, and future. They house and preserve artefacts, traditions, and stories that reflect human creativity, history, and identity. In today’s globalised and rapidly changing world, museums play a crucial role in preserving cultural diversity and fostering a deeper understanding of humanity’s shared heritage. This session seeks to explore the evolving role of museums in cultural heritage preservation, interpretation, and promotion. It aims to highlight how museums not only conserve tangible and intangible heritage but also actively engage with communities to ensure that cultural narratives remain relevant and inclusive. By showcasing cultural diversity, museums contribute to a sense of identity, belonging, and mutual respect across societies.
This session invites museum professionals, archaeologists, historians, and related experts to present papers on a wide range of topics, including Museums and Cultural Heritage, Museums as Educational Hubs, Art and Iconography in Museums, Museums and Research, Museum Management and Future Directions, Museums and Tourism, Museums and Archaeological Preservation, Archaeological Storytelling in Museums, Archaeological Museums as Research Hubs, Open-Air Sculpture Gardens, Archaeological Theme Parks, and the Conservation and Preservation of Art Objects. The session aims to position museums as vibrant spaces for education, dialogue, and cultural diplomacy, ensuring that cultural heritage continues to inspire and strengthen resilience for future generations. This exchange of ideas will reaffirm the critical role of museums as guardians of our shared human narrative.
T17/S08: Wellbeing Archaeology and the AMPHORA Guidelines
Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Organiser: Dr Paul Everill, University of Winchester, UK, paul.everill@winchester.ac.uk
Increasingly, engagement with archaeology is demonstrating enormous potential in terms of improving wellbeing for participants. While the precise mechanisms behind this are not known—and may vary between groups or even individuals—the importance of working collaboratively with mental health professionals to ensure the process of change is safe and supported is well established. Indeed, the AMPHORA (‘Authentic and Meaningful Participation in Heritage or Related Activities’) guidelines offer a rigorous framework and quality assurance for project providers, social prescribers, and participants on projects seeking to positively impact mental health/wellbeing.
This session seeks to expand the global conversation around Wellbeing Archaeology, exploring and sharing the experiences of archaeologists and communities in this emerging field. As archaeologists this is a new and powerful component of our relationship with the public and communities, but it comes with enormous responsibility that require us to look beyond our traditional disciplinary expertise and to work collaboratively.
With the AMPHORA guidelines in mind, this session welcomes papers that reflect on experiences of Wellbeing Archaeology—including aspects of project preparation, delivery, and follow-up—to help us better understand the global potential of this work in terms of enhancing public benefit, and the role that AMPHORA and WAC might play in informing and developing policy.
T17/S09: Culture Positive: Changing the Language of Global Cultural Heritage Management
Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Organisers: Luke Kirkwood, EMM Consulting Pty Ltd, Australia, lkirkwood@emmconsulting.com.au
Dr Alan Williams, EMM Consulting Pty Ltd, Australia, awilliams@emmconsulting.com.au
Following the destruction of Juukan Gorge, Australia has undertaken a wide-ranging review and reform process of our environmental and heritage legislation at a National level. This reform process has centred around the concept of Nature Positive – flipping the conversation of environmental management from one of offsets and mitigation to a framework focused on restoration, regeneration and recognition of the value of nature for society.
Using this framework as a foundation, we invite paper presentations that explore and expand upon the proposed concept of Culture Positive as a guiding approach for Cultural Heritage Management (CHM) worldwide. Traditionally focused on preservation and protection, CHM or CRM is increasingly called upon to make investment in archaeological heritage relevant to communities when the ‘Cost of Living’ crisis is forefront in people’s minds. The Culture Positive framework therefore challenges practitioners to go beyond conservation, envisioning a world where archaeological heritage is treated less as a legislative hindrance and instead seen as a value investment opportunity for society generating social well-being, education opportunities and ensuring accessibility for present and future generations to understand their shared human histories.
This session will share innovative case studies, research, and strategies demonstrating heritage enhancement across diverse contexts, from urban regeneration projects to Indigenous community-led initiatives. Topics will include community engagement, adaptive reuse, economic and social value creation through heritage stewardship, sustainable integration in urban and rural planning, and the role of education in fostering intergenerational knowledge transfer.
Through an exploration of global best practices, this session seeks to uncover the ways that heritage-positive approaches can foster cultural resilience, identity, and sustainable growth reflecting on the social and economic impacts of these efforts. By assembling a global perspective, this session aims to refine and advance the Culture Positive framework, providing actionable insights and tools for practitioners, policymakers, and communities.
T17/S10: Indigenous and Anarchist Futures in Archaeology and Heritage
Format: Paper presentations with discussion
Organisers: Dr Lewis Borck, Dept of Native American Studies, The University of Oklahoma, USA, lsborck@ou.edu
Dr Catherine Frieman, School of Archaeology & Anthropology, Australian National University, Australia, catherine.frieman@anu.edu.au
The Mvskvke scholar Laura Harjo (2019) has described Indigenous futurity as communities and individuals using archives to “activate the wishes of ancestors, contemporary kin, and future relatives—all in a present temporality.” Anarchist futures are described as prefigurative practices where today’s actions consequentially build the future in the present. Both frameworks argue that the means, your actions in the present, create the ends, the eventual outcome. You can’t plant an apple tree and expect oranges.
Indigenous and anarchist frameworks share many powerful aspects like futurity/prefiguration; including mutual aid, direct action, relational accountability, storytelling, and consensus decision making. And they are also regularly dismissed as unrealistic imaginaries; ideas for dreamers within a world that runs on colonial and capitalist realism. Yet, Indigenous and anarchist frameworks are often viewed as incompatible or, potentially worse, redundant.
This session will examine the overlaps, parallels, and tensions inherent between and within both Indigenous and anarchist frameworks to build a future based in solidarity, not just between communities of people but between ourselves and the non-human worlds we live among. We look for contributions that engage with both Indigenous and anarchist frameworks to consider how we can use archaeology and heritage studies to fight against structures of domination, to build coalitions, and to write a past against hierarchy and oppression, both now and in the years and generations to come. Through this conversation we hope to plant seeds in the fields of the past that, with care and joy, may become part of an Indigenous and anarchist future.