A MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT & CHAIR
we are truly grateful for our many stakeholders— advisors, donors, partners, Trustees, program partici - pants, volunteers, teachers, students, neighbors, staff, and friends. The various perspectives among our stakeholders is a tremendous source of strength and responsibility as we continue to evolve to deliver our mission in the world. Every student in an Introduction to Archaeology class learns that when archaeologists excavate a site, the site is destroyed on some level. The effects of archaeology when not done in collaboration with our Indigenous partners can cause additional harm and disruption. Our commitment is to practice archaeology in a way that builds partnerships and strengthens community understanding and respect. The future direction of Crow Canyon is to build on our past and advance our practice of archaeology such that it heals, restores connection, and illu - minates understanding for our shared future. We will continue to bring these conversations to you—our supporters— and the wider public. What people know about the past influ - ences their decisions about the future. For the next 40 years, we will continue to expand, engage, and invite you to join us on our journey of learning, making connections, and building human knowledge and understanding. In gratitude, Liz and Leslie
This 2023 Annual Report marks 40 years since our founding on the spectacular landscape of southwestern Colorado’s central Mesa Verde region. We are here because this place is extraordinary—geographically, geologically, aesthetically, culturally, and spiritually.
Liz Perry, President and CEO
by our staff and partners, and the impact that work has had, including: • The inclusion of Indigenous voices in the study and teaching of Ancestral Pueblo culture and archaeology. • A dedication to public engagement and programming that has helped hundreds of thousands of people expand their understanding of cultures, histories, and humanity. •Unique long-term regional research projects that made unparalleled contributions to knowledge of the human past for the benefit of future generations. We have experienced tremendous growth over the past 40 years and
Our founders chose to study and learn here because of the substantial early occupation of these lands by Indige - nous ancestors, the material culture of the communities they created, and the means and methods available to study, learn, and teach about them. Forty years later, we are still here, still learning, and still teaching. We celebrated our anniversary in 2023 by publishing the book Research, Education, and American Indian Partnerships at the Crow Canyon Archaeological Center , memorializing our organizational history, the practice of Indigenous Archaeology, Public Education, Community and Regional Studies, and Human-Environ - ment Relationship research. This Annual Report draws from these themes to provide a glimpse into decades of work
Leslie Masson, Board of Trustees Chair
3 2023 ANNUAL REPORT
CROW CANYON ARCHAEOLOGICAL CENTER 4
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