Collaborative Archaeology Field Schools:
Perspectives from the Central California Coast
Abstract: Collaborative research is a relatively niche but growing component of archaeological practice. While academic institutions and professional societies highlight the importance of Indigenous, collaborative, and decolonizing research strategies, opportunities to train students in these techniques are still generally lacking. This talk shares insights from a collaborative field school bringing together students and Tribal members from the Amah Mutsun Tribal Band and their Land Trust. Informed by cultural perspectives and priorities, participants learned archaeological field methods developed by the Tribe and archaeologists over the last decade to study and preserve Indigenous cultural heritage. In this talk, Gabe considers how Indigenous-led efforts in central coastal California archaeology, focusing on site stewardship, access, research, and education, can broadly benefit field schools.
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