Project Archaeology is a national education program that promotes cultural understanding and the protection of archaeological sites through education. The program provides high-quality curricular materials that enable students to think like archaeologists; to make cultural connections between the past, present, and future; and to become stewards of our collective cultural heritage. Staff, partners, and leaders continued efforts to bring Project Archaeology curricula into every classroom and to professionalize the field of archaeology education by hosting the biennial National Archaeology Educators Conference (NAEC) at SUU’s R. Haze Hunter Alumni Center, October 24 -27, 2024.

Teaching difficult history was a central theme. Mr. Darren Parry, Indigenous author, activist, educator, and former chairman for the Northwestern Band of the Shoshone Nation, delivered a deeply thought-provoking keynote address. He shared an aspect of difficult Shoshone history – the 1863 Bear River Massacre during which the US Army slaughtered hundreds of his people. Archaeology has provided new perspectives on the Euro-centric narrative of the event. Mr. Parry’s speech, paired with a Difficult History Forum, which included archaeologists and Indigenous educators from across the nation, laid a foundation for using archaeology to teach difficult history.

The three-day conference featured experiential, empowering, and collaborative learning sessions and field excursions. Conference attendees used inquiry-based learning to investigate petroglyphs and pictographs, the ancient rock art or rock writing found throughout southwestern Utah. Participants explored petroglyphs from the perspective of an educator, a learner, an indigenous person, and an archaeologist through hands-on activities and field excursions. The Southern Utah Museum of Art provided an opportunity to consider art as cultural communication. Participants recorded petroglyphs using archaeological methods at Black Point, a rock art (or rock writing) site near Enoch, Utah. Mr. Virgil Johnson, a celebrated SUU alumnus and recipient of Project Archaeology’s 2024 Distinguished Archaeology Educator Award, led an emotive visit to Parowan Gap, another significant rock art site.

Indigenous speakers and performers participated throughout the conference. Mr. Johnson facilitated several cultural experiences, including blessings and a cleansing ceremony at Parowan Gap. Mr. Tony Drews of Nashke Native Games kicked off the conference with engaging, educational games that promote cultural awareness and Ojibwe language revitalization. Southern Utah University’s Native American Student Association graciously attended the Opening Session and performed an Apache Warrior Dance and a Navajo Basket Dance. Historically, the Apache War Dance prepared warriors for battle and celebrated their bravery upon safely returning home. Today, the dance honors the courage and strength of the ancestors. The Navajo Basket Dance is a ceremonial performance that symbolizes the history of the Navajo people. Ms. Eleanor Tom and Mr. Brent Tom closed the conference with a modern Southern Paiute tradition of community and togetherness: the round dance.