Thread by @IndigArchs

The IAC is pleased to see the @SAAorg leadership has had conversations about redressing harms to BIPOC and specifically Indigenous peoples as a result of its recent actions around he UCOP #Repatriation policy. #archaeology View in full here: bit.ly/3iZZQ9w

We appreciate that the SAA Board acknowledges the need for substantive changes in support of BIPOC archaeologists, and specifically, Indigenous archaeologists and communities. #archaeology #indigarch

We are also heartened by the support the SAA Board voiced in our recent meeting for the action items the IAC outlined in our June 28, 2020 letter (bit.ly/2DLOJRy) #archaeology #repatriation #indigarch

As of today, IAC’s Call to Action has the support of over 800 individuals and organizations, including the CAA @Can_arch, National Assoc. of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers, and Society of Black Archaeologists @SBAArch forms.gle/so7RtWT3SJnvX1…

However, the IAC is concerned that, as announced to its membership by email on Tuesday, the SAA chose to establish another taskforce and subcommittee instead of taking immediate action on the requests IAC outlined. bit.ly/3iZZQ9w #archaeology

IAC members have participated in many SAA Taskforces and Subcommittees in the past. They rarely result in action, often work to silence and minimize Indigenous views within the SAA, and simply delay and push the conversation down the road. #archaeology #indigarch

*This is a time for action* and the IAC reiterates its call to the SAA to take immediate action on the reasonable requests we’ve outlined. These are starting points to address the harm caused by the SAA President’s statements on UCOP #Repatriation policy.

IAC outlined clear, actionable items to repair the SAA’s relationships with and to US Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities. These include a public accounting to members about the issuance of the June 19 UCOP letter and June 22 email. #archaeology #indigarch

President Watkins addressed this point in his July 9 email to members. You can read his letter in full, which provides needed transparency to the process for issuing an SAA action against the UCOP policy: bit.ly/3eArDtI #archaeology #indigarch

IAC has also asked the SAA to take action to dismantle unequal power relations between archaeologists and Native American Tribal Nations and Indigenous communities by committing to the following:

1) Increase funding for the participation of Native American and Indigenous peoples in #archaeology;

2) Waive registration fees to SAA’s conferences for Native American and Indigenous attendees;

3) Offer free SAA membership to Native American and #Indigenous archaeologists and community members;

4) Ensure that the SAA Program Committee announcements for upcoming meetings highlight the #Indigenous history of the SAA’s host city and create conference programming that gives back to these Nations and communities;

AND

5) Formally request permission to meet on the lands and traditional territories of #Indigenous nations and host a welcome to hosting Nations during the conference Plenary.

A Taskforce with a clear charge *is* necessary to thoughtfully draft a new statement to replace the SAA’s outdated “Statement Concerning the Treatment of Human Remains” (adopted May 1986; reaffirmed in March 1999) rla.unc.edu/saa/repat/SAAp… #repatriation #ancestors #archaeology

A Taskforce with a clear charge *is* also necessary to carry out a racial climate survey, which will take broad input from relevant committees and BIPOC members. #archaeology #indigarch

Strategic planning by the SAA board *is* needed to reevaluate the Society and to ensure that its own policies and processes are consistently followed. #archaeology #indigarch

But the SAA’s Committee on Native American Relations is already well-placed to undertake the implementation of many of the action items specifically addressing Indigenous participation and representation within the SAA.
#indigarch #archaeology #WeDontNeedAnotherCommittee

Indeed, many of the IAC's action items come from CNAR’s and the Indigenous Populations Interest Group’s prior reports & requests to the SAA Board. #WeDontNeedAnotherCommittee #archaeology #indigarch

We look forward to dialogue planned with the SAA leadership on our Call to Action and how to build a more inclusive SAA and ensure that respect, reciprocity, and justice guide its actions into the future.
#archaeology #indigarch

IAC wants the discipline of #archaeology and the SAA to be anti-racist and are working in solidarity with the Society of Black Archaeologists (@SBAArch) on initiatives to transform the discipline. This is heart-work oriented for future generations.