Indigenous Archaeology at the Grand Ronde Reservation Oregon – Institute for Field Research

Location: Hebo Rd, Oregon, USA

Season: June 29, 2020 to August 8, 2020

Application Deadline: April 3, 2020

Deadline Type: Rolling

Website: https://ifrglobal.org/program/us-or-indigenous-archaeology/

Program Type:
Field School

RPA Certified:
No

Affiliation:
University of Washington, Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon, Connecticut College, and Institute for Field Research

Project Director:
Dr. Sara Gonzalez

Project Description:

Field Methods in Indigenous Archaeology is a community-based field school in tribal historic preservation and archaeological field methods on the Grand Ronde reservation in northwestern Oregon. Students will work alongside and with the Grand Ronde Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) to document material histories associated with education and childhood on the Grand Ronde reservation from 1855 to the early 20th century. This summer we will be assisting the Historic Preservation Office in a survey of school sites on the reservation. The Grand Ronde Agency School is unique in regards to American Indian boarding schools, as it was under the control of the tribe and tribal members served as Principals and teachers. Work at the school thus presents an opportunity to remember the material dimensions of Grand Ronde survivance and what it has meant to grow up Grand Ronde. The field school offers field training in a variety archaeological, ethnographic, and community-based field methods. Students will learn a variety of low-impact archaeological techniques for documenting tribal cultural resources including high-precision remote sensing, survey, and mapping technologies; excavation strategies; and digital storytelling and 3D modeling (photogrammetry & RTI) techniques for preserving and analyzing tribal belongings. Lectures, field trips to ancestral sites, workshops, and public outreach events will complement these essential skills and present further opportunities for students to understand the principles of tribal historic preservation and archaeological practice as they are applied by the Grand Ronde tribal nation.

Period(s) of Occupation: Indigenous, Historical, Community Archaeology

Project Size: 1-24 participants

Minimum Length of Stay for Volunteers: Participants must stay entire duration of the field school.

Minimum Age: 18

Experience Required: None.

Room and Board Arrangements:
During the on-site portion of the field school, we will camp together at the Grand Ronde Reservation’s Uxyat powwow grounds. On some weekends we may be asked to relocate to the Big Buck campground, also on the reservation. We will keep you apprised of these moves. The Powwow grounds feature bathroom and shower facilities as well as WiFi access, running water, and power access in camp. Students have the option of sharing a tent provided by the project and/or bringing their own tent with them. The project does not have the capacity to provide students with additional camping gear (e.g., sleeping bag, sleeping pad, camp chair, personal lantern/headlamp, etc.) though students may contact the director to determine whether anyone has additional equipment they are willing to share. Meals (breakfast, lunch and dinner) will be provided for us by the Grand Ronde Food & Nutrition program from Monday breakfast through Friday lunch. Snacks and a camp kitchen will be provided for students outside of these hours for their own meal preparation and snacking needs. Please contact the director, Dr. Sara Gonzalez, with any food allergies you may have. The kitchens are able to accommodate a variety of food needs (vegetarian, gluten-free, dairy and/or nut allergies), but please contact the field director, Dr. Sara Gonzalez, to ensure your need may be accommodated by the kitchens

Academic Credit:
8 semester credit units from Connecticut College. Tuition is $4,445.