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Abajo Archaeology, PO Box 100, Bluff UT 84512. 801/672-2272
FAX –2284
Uinta National Forest, PO Box 1428,
Provo UT 84602. 801/377- 5780
Anthropology
Dept, 117 Stewart Bldg, University of Utah, Salt Lake City
UT 84112. 801/581-4494
OO-ALC/EME, 7276 Wardleigh Rd, Hill AFB, UT 84056. 801/777-0288
PO Box 1273, Fillmore UT 84631. 801/743-6811
Division
of State History, 300 Rio Grande, Salt Lake City UT 84101.
801/533-3500. FAX
-3503.
PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE
As a result of a decision by voting members at the Spring 1995 UPAC meeting, UPAC will publicly endorse the Utah Wilderness Coalition's proposal to protect 5.7 million acres of publicly owned land for America's Red Rock Wilderness. UPAC members had expressed concern about recent public statements made by Rep. Bill Orton and San Juan County Commissioners to the effect that professional archaeologists oppose wilderness designation. UPAC members have pointed out that wilderness is an effective means of preserving and protecting archaeological sites for the future. For instance, fewer roads will help prevent looting and vandalism at sites, and setting aside large contiguous tracts will enable better patrolling methods and also preserve elements of broad-scale settlement-subsistence patterns. Consequently, Betsy Tipps and I prepared a letter stating UPAC's position and sent this to Utah's Governor and state representatives, and to Utah's congressional representatives and senators. In addition, a news release was sent for publication in major Utah newspapers and in local county newspapers.
The Bureau of Land Management (San Juan Resource Area) is moving toward implementation of the Cultural Resource Management Plan for the Grand Gulch Plateau (Cedar Mesa) in southeast Utah. The BLM has requested that UPAC nominate three to five individuals to serve on the archaeological advisory group for the Plateau. The group will consist of five to ten members who are familiar with the archaeological record of the Grand Gulch Plateau, and will include American Indians, people with an avocational interest in archaeology, and professional archaeologists. The first task for the advisory group will be to assist in developing research questions appropriate to the archaeological record of the Plateau. These research questions will be a key part of monitoring and evaluating, the archaeological sites. The second task will be to develop strategies for monitoring the condition of the sites. Other tasks will include input on archaeological survey needs and strategies, advice on stabilization projects, and input on interpretive materials. It is anticipated that most of the work of the advisory group will be by mail or telephone, although there will be a few necessary meetings. The BLM has worked hard to develop a management plan appropriate to the significant archaeological resources of the Grand Gulch Plateau and which will also deal with increasing visitation impacts through a program of monitoring and stabilization. The BLM now needs direct public and professional involvement. If you would be interested in serving on this advisory board please contact me.
--Bill Davis, Abajo Archaeology
UPAC/USAS JOINT BUSINESS MEETING
The joint spring meeting of UPAC/USAS was held as Locomotive Point in the San Rafael Swell and was called to order at 1:30 by President Bill Davis.
The autumn meeting's minutes were accepted by those present.
Nancy Shearin gave the Treasurer's report: there is $6842 on hand now, a complete financial statement follows. The amount of delinquent dues is quite high, however, so please remit your dues now.
Nomination for offices were taken:
Secretery: Diana Christensen
VP Govt Affairs: David Madsen, Dave Schmitt, Shane Baker (Schmitt withdrew
his nomination via letter 5/2/1995).
Newsletter editor: Bill Fawcett agreed to continue for another year.
Special Speaker: Lawson LeGate (Sierra Club) gave a talk summarizing Wilderness Study Area (WSA) issues. He would like UPAC and USAS to join the Utah Wilderness Coalition; all we need to do is publicly convey support of the 5.7 million acre proposal backed by the Coalition. An animated discussion followed:
Bill Davis: it was reported to Gov. Leavitt by a San Juan county official that "professional archaeologists” are against Wilderness because of concerns about stabilization, access, etc.
Nancy Coulam said that it was Mr. Redd who made the statement that archaeologists are against WSA; she could not find any local archaeologist who would admit to telling him this.
Betsy Tipps passed around a letter which she wrote which emphasizes that minimizing access is the best protection. Proximity to roads is the best predicator of vandalism potential. This letter needs to be submitted by next Monday.
Garth Portillo emphasized that everybody should decide for themselves; WSA won't stop hard core looters but will cut casual vandals; WSAs will increase difficulty of CRM activities. Since the BLM manual discourages CRM activities in WSAs, projects will need to be approved by the State Director. Native Americans are concerned about access to back country for elders for resource collecting or ritual use (Exclusion would violate their First Amendment rights). BLM would strongly prefer the same policy everywhere, rather than different policies for each state.
Lawson LeGate discussed island biogeography issue as it related to the
minimum size of any particular WSA.
One of the USAS members suggested that we ought to write a letter to
San Juan County Commissioners to clarify our position.
As an aside, Betsy Tipps noted that Chacoan roads have been used to exclude areas from WSA.
Kenny winch moved that UPAC/USAS support the Wilderness Coalition proposal for 5.7 million acres; seconded by Nancy Coulam; discussion followed:
David Madsen suggested that we should support larger blocks of land for ecological reasons.
Steve Simms: UPAC should support the maximum acreage package. The vote was 22 for, 0 against.
Concerning Betsy Tipps' letter, Duncan Metcalfe moved that we put her letter on UPAC letterhead and include signatures of all willing persons. Dave Schmitt added that we send abridged letter to newspapers. The motion passed by voice vote (Signatures were obtained after the meeting ended).
Certification Program Revisions (discussion led by Diana Christiansen). Diana:
Suggests that we put curriculum decisions in the hands of USAS members. Chapter
membership levels correlate with course availability. She suggested that USAS
discuss this at the June 1995 convention in St. George; possibly motivated
USAS people can teach some aspects of courses.
A USAS member asked if the certification program "belonged" to UPAC?
Kevin Jones stated that UPAC has no formal connection with the USAS certification process; rather it is supported by the Division of State History. Kevin agreed that the course materials do need to be revised.
A USAS member asked if amateurs are really capable of self teaching?
Dave Schmitt suggested that USAS should develop a draft of what changes they would like.
A USAS member note that opportunities for volunteer CRM protection activity are plentiful without certification course.
Use of USAS on Projects (Diana Christiansen). Diana said she is burned out and limited by how many USAS members she can supervise. A USAS member requested a list of available USAS personal and levels of training. Charmain Thompson suggested that the USAS newsletter be reactivated so that it could be used as a bulletin board for available projects. Charmain pointed out that the CRM protection process does not need official blessing from professional archaeologists. USAS members can "just do it".
Site Steward Program (Diana Christiansen). Diana said that site stewards run the program themselves using SHPO for coordination and guidance.
Kevin Jones noted that AZ has money and one full time coordinator at SHPO. The SHPO also has insurance; they need to treat the site stewards as state employees because of liability issues.
Diana proposed that USAS look at this type of program.
David Madsen noted the Utah Friends of Paleontology got $10,000 from the legislature, with the implication that they could get about the same amount each year by asking for small sums each year on a regular basis.
Native American Affairs Committee: Rather than set up a VP position at present, Bill Davis used his presidential authority to form a Native American Affairs Committee for 2 years. At the end of this time the establishment of VP position will be reevaluated. The following individuals volunteered for the committee: Dennis Weder, Bill Fawcett, and Jim Dykman. Members of the committee will attend as many Native American Review Committee and Tribal leader meetings as possible. Dennis will attend the next Tribal meeting in Cedar City on June 9. Any additional volunteers are welcome to notify Dennis.
Garth Portillo strongly suggested that all members need to initiate
similar contacts in addition to the official UPAC committee.
Utah Archaeology (Kevin Jones). See statement elsewhere in the newsletter.
The meeting was adjourned at 3:20.
APRIL 27, 1995
Expenses 1/95-4/27/95
1993 UT Archaeology postage 318.00
UPAC News photocopy/postage 102.50
April Meeting Notice postage 52.16
Total Expenses $472.66
Deposits 1/1/95-4/27/95
Bank interest 44.65
Membership Dues 887.50
Total Deposits $932.15
4/27/95 Balance $6842.52
Membership Summary (as of 4/27/95):
Voting 31
Students 3
Fellows 4
Complementary 3
Associate 1
Total 41 members paid 1995 dues.
UPAC News Mailing: 163 persons.
ITEMS FOR COMMENT
Most archaeologists hold deep interest and respect for the Native American legacy. Most also hold that knowledge about the past gained through the process of scientific inquiry is a public good that helps to bind all humanity. I suspect that no amount of self-awareness of a respect for Indian heritage or as advocates for better Indian economic, educational, and health opportunities can balance the charges of ethnocentrism and bigotry assigned when we deviate from the "decisions" of the Native American community." Despite the lip service to learning about the past and reliance on the rules of evidence dictated by a scientific canon, many archaeologists and the SAA have chosen to err on the site of political correctness.
At what point however, does the discussion about cultural patrimony collide with the tribalism and division characteristic of multiculturalism assures a more ethnocentric world without equal dialogue about cultural similarities and an epistemology that transcends local ideology. Perhaps because archaeologists typically see themselves as committed to Native American legacies and issues, we are too uncritical. We thus risk joining the populist American tradition of anti-intellectualism. In the name of cultural relativism, and political (and career?) expedience, archaeologists increasingly acquiesce to virtually any position in the name of "support" for Native Americans.
While we can all cite instances of cooperation between archaeologists and Native Americans, a change for the better, there are some other ideas as well. Just a few examples:
The Berkeley textbook committees trying to bar books in public schools which assert the peopling of the western hemisphere via the Bering land bridge in the last Ice Age because no Native American folktales speak of such a past. We thus endorse division of Native Americans from the world's peoples and acquiesce to disseminating a particular faith in the public schools. What is the difference from scientific creationism other than we can feel we are supporting Indian religion rather than the Christian right?
The recent draft rules of the Dept of Interior NAGPRA Review Committee (distributed at the April 95 SAA meeting), which among many questionable points, states "there may be potential value in such (scientific) analyses, such values do not ...confer a right of control... that supersedes the spiritual and cultural concerns of Native American people." Consider this in light of a preceding statement, "there are remains for which it is not possible to identify specific cultural connections to any particular tribe. However such remains and objects, no matter how ancient, are nevertheless Native American. " Ironically, these interpretations of NAGPRA (and the bill itself) smacks of division and ethnocentrism. We need only extend the term "ancient" a few thousand more years to include people of both hemispheres as ancestral. Once again, we endorse division and separation of Native Americans from the world's peoples. How far shall we go? A recent article in the SAA Bulletin ("Working Together" Jan/Feb, pg 4) may give a hint. Speaking of what Native American archaeologists can do, SAA members are told, "We can determine what is appropriate to publish, and what is not. We can determine how and what is to be exhibited in museums. We can determine what gets studies, photographed, recorded, and what should be left alone. We can determine what gets excavated, if at all, and how it should be done."
Perhaps I am just a fool when I mistake such discourse as analogous to the Christian right forcing their religious values down my throat via the legislative, judicial, and educational systems. The above passage could easily come from the mouth of Jimmy Swaggart or Pat Robertson. It is no less ideological or anti-intellectual than the scientific creationism that archaeologists (including the SAA) vociferously opposed in the 1980s. Where are we now? Like I say, we are torn be genuine ideals, but I wonder when we will stand up and argue for a pursuit of humanitarian ideals and a search for good that transcends such nativistic and short-sighted ideology.
I for one look forward to the day that some of the ever-escalating demands come to court - such as those stated in the passage above, or the calls for censorship rights over original notes, photos, and publications. I guess we are going to have to wait for that before comparing some of the claims made under the principle of cultural patrimony to those contained in, for instance, the First Amendment. At least then archaeologists and the SAA will be forced to pick some priorities, cast their gaze a bit more globally, and live up to our own press as the science that takes the long view of things.
--Steven Simms
Utah State University
AMERICAN CULTURAL RESOURCES ASSOCIATION ORGANIZES
The mission of the American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA) will be to promote the professional, ethical, and business practices of the cultural resources industry, including all of its disciplines for the benefit of the resources, the public, and the members of the association. ACRA intends to promote and support the business needs of cultural resource practitioners, professionalism of the cultural resource industry; provide education and training opportunities for the cultural resource industry; influence public policy; and promote public awareness of cultural resources management and its diverse fields. The first official board meeting took place in Atlanta on April 8-9, 1995. Bylaws and the ethics statement were approved at this meeting. ACRA plans to have its first conference this fall in Washington DC. For more information contact: Tom Wheaton, New South Associates, 6150 E. Ponce de Leon Ave, Stone Mountain GA 30083 404/498-4155. FAX -3809 email towmwheaton@aol.com.
UTAH ARCHAEOLOGY UPDATE
A non-lapsing state account has been set up for Utah Archaeology. Monies collected from subscription and bulk sales have been deposited in the account. Most of the orders have been filled with journals purchased by the Antiquities Section. Beginning with a zero balance in 1993, the account has built up to over $2000 by this spring. All of the expenses incurred in producing the 1993 journal are detailed below. Expenses for the 1994 journal to be incurred in June will likely be approximately the same as for 1993. An additional grant of up to $1000 from the Division to USAS for matching support for the 1994 journal has been awarded. We will be able to continue with the same financial support from the Antiquities Discretionary budget for the 1994 journal, but the amount will likely be less than $1000.
Utah Archaeology (Hist. Society account balance 2/95) $2031.00
Printing costs (700 journals @4.98) 3486.00
Billed to USAS (111
journals @ 4.98) 1532.92
Additional UPAC contribution 500.00
Paid from Discretionary acct 1000.00
Ending Balance (Hist. Soc. account 5/95) 2111.70
Edited manuscripts for the 1994 journal are arriving and should all be in by mid-June. Final manuscript preparation will be completed shortly thereafter, and the journal distributed in July. We have also been receiving some submissions for the 1995 journal. Please send manuscripts for consideration to Kevin Jones, Antiquities Section, Utah Division of State History, 300 Rio Grande, Salt Lake City UT 84101. Deadline for 1993 manuscripts is Oct. 1, 1995.
CALENDAR
16-18 June 1994 USAS Convention hosted by Jennifer Jack- Dixie Chapter in St. George. Contact Diana Christensen or James Starr for details.
15-16 Sept 1995 Durango Conference on Southwest Archaeology. Contact: Phil Duke, Anthropology Dept, Ft Lewis College, Durango CO 81301303/247- 7346. UPAC & USAS members are especially encouraged to attend!
27-30 Sept 1995 2nd Biennial Rocky Mountain Anthropological Conference, Steamboat Sheraton, Steamboat Springs CO. Contact: Calvin H Jennings, Anthropology Dept, Colorado State University, Ft. Collins CO 80523. 303/491-7360
18-22 Oct 1995 53rd Plains Conference, Laramie WY. Sue Powell, Plains Conferences & Institutes, PO Box 3972 Univ. Stn., Laramie WY 82071-3972. 307/766-2124 FAX -3914
FROM THE NEWSLETTER EDITOR
Bill Davis and all of the other organizers of the recent Spring UPAC Meeting
deserve our special thanks for a great meeting in a wonderful location. Those
who did not attend missed the best UPAC meeting yet!
If you have an E-mail address please send it to the Editor so that it can
be included in the next newsletter.
Persons looking for volunteers to work on archaeology projects should send
announcements for inclusion in the newsletter.
Summaries of summer projects should also be sent for the fall newsletter.
--Bill Fawcett
THE NEXT NEWSLETTER
Items for the next newsletter should be sent no later than Sept. 1, 1995. All submission of greater than 100 words should be accompanied by a computer disk with text saved on it either in IBM- readable ASCI or Wordperfect.
1995 MEMBERSHIP DUES
If you want to join UPAC or have not paid your 1995 dues send:
Professional $25.00
Student $12.50
Associate $12.50
Affiliate $12.50
to Nancy Shearin. Professional and student members vote and receive the newsletter and journal (Utah Archaeology). Associate and affiliate members only receive the newsletter. You must be a current member to vote!
UPAC ELECTIONS: IT'S TIME TO VOTE!
It's time to elect new officers to the positions of Secretary and Vice President for Governmental Affairs and Research. At the April 28, 1995 UPAC Spring Business Meeting held on the San Rafael Swell the following nominations were made:
Secretary--
Diana Christensen
Vice President
for Governmental Affairs & Research--
Dave Schmitt
Shane Baker
David Madsen
Dave Schmitt declined nomination.
Ballots have been enclosed with this newsletter to members who are current
on their dues. If you are among this group, please fill out the ballot and
return it to the specified address by June 28, 1995. If you have recently paid
your dues and did not receive a ballot, you may request one from the UPAC president
and vote in the election by the above deadline. On behalf of UPAC I would like
to thank both Duncan Metcalfe and Dennis Weder for their services as outgoing
vice President for Governmental Affairs and Research, and Secretary.
--Bill Davis, UPAC President
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