New archaeology views Native scholarships as part of a major change
By Carol Berry, Today correspondent
http://www.indiancountrytoday.com/living/education/63875082.html
Condensed by Native Village

Colorado:  Many Native people have regarded archaeology as a major villain in America’s quest to uncover its ancient past.  Archaeologists often disrespect tribal traditions, including those dictating burial practices.

But times are changing as Native scholars and students bring a living past into a vibrant present . The new archaeology stresses knowledge of the past and uses it for today's tribal development

“Archaeology is moving in a different direction, and schools and (archaeology) scholarships for Native people don’t just symbolize that new direction, but are part of the new direction,” said a spokesperson for the Society for American Archaeology’s Native scholarship program.

The new archaeology appears to be more acceptable to the Indian people who are entering the field in increasing numbers. Some are aided by SAA scholarships projects at scholarship field schools such in places like  Easter Island, the Hawaiian Islands, the Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, and Crow Canyon pueblo communities.

“Thirty years ago archaeologists were the primary voice when knowledge about the past was presented in schools, museums, at National Parks and elsewhere,” said Mark Varien. “Today, the story of the past is multivocal, presenting archaeological knowledge alongside the traditional knowledge of American Indians."

The newer philosophy “allows archaeologists who want to be more respectful to Native communities to work collaboratively with them. So these scholarships are a tangible way that we can try to be more sensitive and actively create a more diverse discipline.”

SAA offers the Arthur C. Parker Scholarship. These support Native American and Native Hawaiian high school seniors, college undergraduates, and graduate students entering, or already in, the field. Scholarships are also offered to whose who work in tribal or Native Hawaiian cultural preservation programs.

In addition, the National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded a grant to the SAA for three people who apply for the Parker Scholarship.

SAA scholarships arange from $4,000 - $10,000.  Some 50 people have received support  in the last decade. They include: