From Alcatraz to Standing Rock: Archaeology and Contemporary Native American Protests (1969–Today)

Public and professional responses to the Dakota Access Pipeline (DAPL) protests reveal a space where archaeologists can potentially connect past and present. Archaeology has already been applied to protests over labor conditions, environment destruction, and weapons proliferation in both the United States and United Kingdom. Extending that work to Native American protests raises awareness of the legacy of the broken treaties that underlie many of these actions. For example, the 1969–1971 occupation of Alcatraz Island is where contemporary Native American protest history often begins. A simple pushpin map of protests since then shows that the DAPL protest at Standing Rock was unique only in its extensive media coverage. Building greater awareness of these actions will improve the ways archaeologists carry out their compliance responsibilities and respond to an often-misinformed public. Working with tribal colleagues to identify protest sites would enhance existing efforts to protect ancient sites and reinforce the need for tribal input in evaluating impacts to its cultural landscapes.