Autry Lomahongva (Hopi and Diné) first started formally learning about ancestral sites through a Native perspective from Native mentors while training to become an Indigenous guide. One of his first visits was with Crow Canyon and Lyle. “I never knew there were that many ancestral sites near where I grew up on the reservation,” shares Autry . “My family didn’t have money for trips. It was definitely an eye-opener for me when I was able to see all these places and learn more about both the archaeology and ancestral history.” Creating space to hear and learn from more perspectives is another reason for encouraging greater Indigenous participation. “Crow Canyon takes that extra step of making sure to give Native community members a chance to tell their perspectives of the landscapes,” shares Autry. “They offer an opportunity to give back to the community in a way that keeps Native culture alive.” We are grateful for the leadership, guidance, and collaboration from our Indigenous partners and Native community members in pursuing work that supports and gives back to Native communities. Here are a few ways we are putting these goals into action: Funds for community members to participate in public programs. Private programs co-created with and for Tribal and Indigenous communities. Increased outreach to and scholarships for Tribal and Indigenous community schools to encourage participation in on-campus and Mobile Learning Lab programming. Greater opportunities for Indigenous people to create and lead programs and share their stories and lived experiences. Centering the priorities, knowledge, and leadership of living descendants rather than purely academic or institutional goals is becoming foundational in Crow Canyon’s work. Experiences like Autry’s confirm the importance of this direction. “I really like connecting back to these sites, because it’s who we originated from,” shares Autry. “I want to keep that going. It’s something so beautiful and I don’t want it to be lost.” Fostering Indigenous People’s Connection to Land (Cont’d)
CROW CANYON ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER
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