Pima Community College Partners with Trinity/WestLand to Provide Archaeological Training for Tribal Monitors

TUCSON, AZ. – Pima Community College is partnering with cultural resources consultant Trinity/WestLand Resources to provide an intensive archaeological skills training program for Tribal Monitors representing Native American communities across Arizona and New Mexico.

The Tribal Monitor Training Program, taking place Sept. 28 through Oct. 7 at PCC’s West Campus and field locations throughout the Tucson area, brings together trainees from the Tohono O’odham Nation, Gila River Indian Community, Hopi Tribe, Pueblo of Zuni, Yavapai Apache Nation, Mescalero Apache Tribe and White Mountain Apache Tribe.

Through PCC’s Centre for Archaeological Field Training, participants are receiving classroom instruction and hands-on experience in archaeological survey methods, artifact identification, mapping and GPS technology, cultural resource and preservation laws, traditional plants and Tribal history. The program also incorporates field exercises, cultural and archaeological site visits, and instruction from Tribal cultural resource professionals, archaeologists and other experts.

Tribal Monitors provide an important Native perspective during archaeological, biological and cultural resource surveys conducted in advance of land development projects. Their involvement helps increase Tribal participation in identifying, understanding and protecting cultural and natural resources.