The Community Archaeologist

“Onnahinli Okhlika” (“Dark Morning”) is a traditional Chahta Ile Foka by Chickasaw and Choctaw artist Melissa Freeman. Created in honor of her father, the dress uses fabric, beadwork, and symbolism to express grief, love, remembrance, and hope. Through thoughtful details woven into every element, Freeman transforms personal loss into a moving tribute that reflects the strength of family, culture, and healing. You can read more of this story in the Spring 2026 Issue of The Community Archaeologist.

Are you a writer looking for an opportunity to build your portfolio with a community, culture and heritage centered publication? Email your interest and resume to our EIC at [email protected] to learn more about our fall internship.

What does it mean to belong to two places at once? This article follows the story of Mike Lee Hoàng, the son of Vietnamese refugees who grew up in Oklahoma and later returned to Vietnam to reconnect with his family’s history. Through reflections on immigration, identity, and heritage, Chelsy Lyons explores the challenges and beauty of navigating multiple cultures while honoring the sacrifices of those who came before. You can learn more about this article in the Spring issue of The Community Archaeologist.

Lina Ortega, associate curator at the Western History Collections, has committed herself to making archives more accessible for Indigenous communities. Through this article, one can understand the reparative description, oral history projects, and community collaboration she works to preserve. With boarding school histories, language, and family stories that have too often been erased or overlooked, her work reminds us that archives are not just about preserving the past, but about reconnecting people to identity and belonging. You can learn more about this article in the Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaeologist.

Following the fall of Kabul in 2021, Oklahoma welcomed thousands of Afghan refugees, creating new opportunities for connection, learning, and community. Danielle Macdonald highlights how universities, students, and local organizations came together to support newcomers through cultural exchange, education, and friendship. It’s a powerful example of “anthropology in action” and a reminder that creating a sense of belonging can make a big difference. You can learn more about this article in the Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaeologist.

Hidden in the High Plains of Kansas, the Scott County Pueblo tells a remarkable story of Indigenous resilience and community. Cooley explores how Puebloan migrants and ancestral Apache communities came together in the Ladder Creek Valley, relying on generations of kinship, cooperation, and shared knowledge to navigate the challenges of colonialism. Through archaeology, we gain a glimpse into a deeply connected world and the enduring strength of the relationships that helped these communities thrive. You can learn more about this article in the Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaeologist.

The Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaeologist is live! Click the link in our bio for full access to all articles in this new issue!

In “Harnessing Local Knowledge: Ranching Wisdon in the Upper Gunnison Basin” by Noah Powell, Powell highlights how archaeology is about more than artifacts, it’s about the people who know the land best. By working alongside ranchers and residents in Colorado’s Upper Gunnison Basin, the article shows how local stories, lived experiences, and generational knowledge can help uncover traces of the past that might otherwise stay hidden. You can read more about this article on The Community Archaeologist Spring 2025 issue.

In “In with the Old, Out with the New” by Reagan Ballard, Ballard discusses the journey of Neil Garrison’s retirement through outdoor exploration and finding new passions later in life. When visiting Mesa Verde National Park, Garrison discovered the art of flintknapping, an ancient crafting technic of creating sharp stone tools. He began seeking mentorship from a professional in the business, understanding that, “it’s not what you make but what you learn.” You can find more about flintknapping and this article in The Community Archaeologist Spring 2024 issue.

Coming soon June 1st, the Spring 2026 issue of The Community Archaoelogist! Be on the look out for the new issue linked in our bio!