Event
Old Collections, New Analyses: Wabanaki Archaeology at Acadia National Park, Maine with Bonnie Newsom August 9 @ 7 pm - 8:30 pm
Fee:
Free.Dates & Times
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Description
Acadia National Park (ANP) in Maine is home to at least 24 coastal shell-bearing archaeological sites reflecting the last 3,000 years of Native American life. Most of these sites are threatened by climate change-induced impacts such as sea-level rise and increased storm intensity—the result being an irrecoverable loss of Wabanaki heritage. In a new study of archaeological collections from previous studies, Wabanaki archaeologists are re-analyzing the material heritage of their ancestors and integrating Wabanaki language and values to inspire deeper connections between past and present peoples. This work is designed to support consultations between ANP staff and Wabanaki communities about Indigenous heritage places in the Park, which will encourage culturally informed decisions on coastal site stewardship and management of sites at risk for loss. This effort is an initial step in Indigenizing shell heap research and coastal site management within the context of cultural heritage and climate change loss and damage.