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Archaeological Interpretive Design for Wanuskewin Heritage Park From The Indigenous Perspective: "astam api: Stories of Indigenous Archaeology"

Date

2023-11-16

Journal Title

Journal ISSN

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Publisher

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Type

Thesis

Degree Level

Masters

Abstract

The purpose of this thesis was to design an archaeological interpretive program for Wanuskewin Heritage Park from the Indigenous perspective, ninêhiyawiskwêwin. The final interpretive program titled, “âstam api: Stories of Indigenous Archaeology” further supports Wanuskewin as a centre of excellence by exploring the extensive archaeological record. This interpretive program was designed to meet Grade 4 Science and Grade 6 Social Studies Saskatchewan Curriculum utilizing two-eyed seeing which balances both Western and Indigenous knowledge systems. Program topics include: Indigenous Archaeology, the Opimihaw Creek Valley as a Refuge, Community and Stewardship, The Wanuskewin Story, Archaeology as a Storyteller, and Revitalization: Where do we go from here? The research question: “How does archaeology with Indigenous ways of knowing impact reconciliation education?” provided direction when investigating the history of colonialism within archaeology and education, and its lasting impacts on Indigenous peoples for generations. The introduction of culturally relevant curriculum and archaeological programming can address the education gap affecting Indigenous youth and holds space for Indigenous knowledge and practice in academic spaces. The stories held within the archaeological record of the Opimihaw Creek Valley, and the establishment of Wanuskewin Heritage Park, highlight how archaeologists are storytellers, protectors of knowledge, and need to be active members in their local communities – especially regarding truth and reconciliation. Decolonizing academic spaces, the use of Indigenous methodology, and miyo-ohpikihâwasowin prove how archaeology can serve as an honorary witness to Indigenous peoples’ sacred relationship to land since time immemorial.

Description

Keywords

Indigenous Archaeology, Wanuskewin Heritage Park, Indigenous Education, Plains Cree Worldviews, Truth and Reconciliation, Plains Archaeology, Archaeology, Indigenous Heritage, Interpretation Design, Northern Plains, Saskatchewan Curriculum

Citation

Degree

Master of Arts (M.A.)

Department

Archaeology and Anthropology

Program

Archeology

Part Of

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DOI

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