S3E13: People Are Still Looting and Vandalizing Cultural Sites

Despite the implementation of federal laws like the Archaeological Resources Protection Act (ARPA) and the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA), illegal artifact trafficking thrives. The challenge lies in transforming this legal framework into effective cultural site protection. It necessitates a fresh paradigm: conservation over commodification, respect over exploitation.

The latest episode of 90 Miles from Needles, the Desert Protection Podcast centers on a conversation with Archaeologist Shannon Cowell and Law Enforcement consultant Dusty Whiting, both of the group Archaeology Southwest.

Cultural Theft as Violence

Archaeological resource crimes are not mere property crimes without human casualties. Cowell and Whiting compare such crimes to a hypothetical desecration of Arlington Cemetery, in that site vandalism and looting remain not just a legal infraction but an affront to the living cultural fabric of Native peoples.

As Shannon Cowell insightfully points out, “…looting and vandalism have been intertwined with colonialism since the beginning.” The effects of these crimes extend beyond the physical: they perpetuate a lineage of disrespect and marginalization.

Compassion and Collaboration

The conversation introduces a hopeful strategy—compassion and collaboration in addressing archaeological theft. Dusty Whiting shares a remarkable blend of personal narrative and professional insight, emphasizing the need for holistic solutions involving law enforcement, archaeologists, tribal representatives, and the community at large.

Promising initiatives like the ARPA assistance program and educational outreach underscore the power of concerted efforts. These movements are kindling awareness and cultivating empathy, the seeds of genuine change.

Many of you responded to our fundraising appeal last week by making significant donations to the Desert Advocacy Media Network, the non-profit home of 90 Miles from Needles. We are extremely grateful for the support. If you meant to donate but got distracted — and believe us, we know how that works — it’s not too late! You can make one-time or recurring donations from $1.00 on up.

90 Miles from Needles on YouTube!

You can now listen to all our episodes, dating back before our January 2022 launch, on our YouTube channel. if you’re a frequent YouTube user, please consider liking each episode and subscribing to our feed. Doing so increases the likelihood that The Algorithm will suggest our podcast to new listeners!

This newsletter is a project of the nonprofit Desert Advocacy Media Network. D.A.M.N. also produces the 90 Miles from Needles desert protection podcast and Letters From the Desert, an email newsletter by desert writer Chris Clarke.