Decolonising our approach to archaeological community engagement
Channel: Recording Archaeology
Date: 11/07/2019

Engaging local communities is part of the remit of many development-led archaeological investigations. CIfA’s standard and guidance for archaeological field evaluation sets out that WSI’s “should set out how public benefits may be achieved by means of engagement, participation and/or dissemination of the results both during and after the project”. It also sets out that “In addition to conventional publication, innovative forms of public engagement should be considered”. The work we undertake as archaeologists has the potential to be of great public and social value. However, the very society that we operate within has changed considerably since the publication of the first planning guidelines for archaeology (PPG16), and the social and demographic make-up of our profession does not reflect the society we claim to serve. The majority of professional archaeologists are graduates entering the sector having experienced a curriculum and system of teaching that is heavily biased towards the narrative, methods and practice of one culture. 

This paper argues that this is impacting on our ability to fully engage with wider communities, and explores what the decolonisation of our approach to engagement might look like. For archaeology to continue to have an active role in the place making process then we need to understand and connect with the people within the place. To improve the engagement aspect of archaeological investigations, to maximise the potential for sustained engagement with local communities, and to build long lasting legacies we must begin to question and decolonise approaches to archaeological community engagement. In a time of austerity the paper emphasises that we don’t need to re-invent the wheel to establish positive, meaningful connections with communities, or to create longer lasting, more sustainable public benefit. But we must develop new ways of thinking and consider more innovative forms of public engagement. Through active participation and planned activities participants are provided with opportunities for self-reflection, and take home tips to promote new approaches.

Laura Hampden (GLAAS, CIfA Equality and Diversity Group, Co-Chair Historic England Racial Equality Network)