Collaboration in Practice: Transforming Community-Based Research in the Southwest

Focusing on the Chavez Cave collections in Las Cruces, New Mexico, Collaboration in Practice presents a study of the partnership between New Mexico State University and the Zuni Cultural Resource Advisory Team (ZCRAT). Rather than centering on artifact analysis, the authors emphasize the collaborative process itself—visiting the site, curating an exhibition, and co-authoring this volume—as a model for ethical and respectful research.

The book situates this collaboration within the broader historical and political context of archaeology and museology. It critically explores how museums and academic institutions can shift from extractive practices to ones that prioritize Indigenous sovereignty, knowledge systems, and cultural continuity. Through personal narratives, historical context, and methodological insights, the authors highlight the challenges and transformative potential of working collaboratively. They show how true collaboration requires humility, mutual respect, and a commitment to shared authority in both research and representation.

Ultimately, this work charts a path forward for community-based research that centers Indigenous voices and values. It advocates for an archaeology that is not only more inclusive but also more meaningful to the communities whose histories are being studied. A vital resource for scholars, students, and practitioners, this work seeks to engage in ethical, reciprocal, and culturally grounded research in the Southwest and beyond.

Fumi Arakawa is an associate professor of anthropology at Indiana University Bloomington and serves as the associate director of research at the Indiana University Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology.
 
Octavius Seowtewa is the head medicine man for the Newekwe/Galazy medicine society and also a member of the Eagle Down medicine society. He is a supervisor for the Zuni Cultural Resources Advisory Team (ZCRAT).
 
Dylan Retzinger is an associate professor at New Mexico State University.