Consultation, Collaboration, and Consent: Decolonizing and Indigenizing Archival Research

Abstract

Abstract: Archival research that involves Indigenous-related collections should center and prioritize Indigenous interests and goals regarding the materials. Professionals within these spaces are responsible for taking actions to build safe connections between collections and the communities they represent. Archival materials are often overlooked as relationship-building opportunities. This paper explores collaborative efforts between the Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology and Native partners whose histories are found in collections at the institution, as well as how policies and procedures are changing to be a more inclusive space. Though museums are often the focus of NAGPRA-related conversations, we also emphasize that archives may contain NAGPRA-eligible materials and discuss a few of those instances. Repatriation, whether or digital or physical, remains a valid strategy for returning archival materials but like all consultation, relies on the circumstance. Ultimately, we argue that professionals should return control of appropriate Indigenous materials to their source communities which takes steps towards indigenizing and decolonizing archival research. (158 count)