25th September 2010, 12:03 PM
Well... this seems to have touched a nerve. Personal rants aside.
Lets be clear. And in away this dovetails nicely into Digging teh Dirts piece on How the west was one (by Commercial Archaeology) There comes a time when Sheriffs have to become 'the Law' not their law, which to their credit - (and mine if I may be so bold as a development control arch of a tiny county) they brought law to the lawless, and security to those who needed protection. They offered support, and advice, they often knew 'their' patch well, and had links with local groups, many still do. But to extend the analogy, the time of the local sheriff is over, the time for federal law is here. Navajo may feel agreived, and yes, there are ways to deal with "totally hostile" attitudes - These have to be explored before anything else. Perhaps Navajo is the worst archaeologist in the area, perhaps the best - we can't say, other than one word against another. Time for licences? Has my vote... Easier than Chartered... and perhaps a fairer system where ability and competence is examined... just like I had to with my AAI&S membership - not like MiFA... which is now far from the original concept of field archaeologist capable of running a project...
Licence us... and then we have credentials... something to be trusted... for individuals in charge of projects... not just blanket RO coverage.. not MiFA ness... but a credential that has been peer reviewed. One thats worth the paper it is written on, and one that can be revoked - level the playing field... and for curator, perhaps its time to become a federal marshal and leave the small town sheriff to the past.
Lets be clear. And in away this dovetails nicely into Digging teh Dirts piece on How the west was one (by Commercial Archaeology) There comes a time when Sheriffs have to become 'the Law' not their law, which to their credit - (and mine if I may be so bold as a development control arch of a tiny county) they brought law to the lawless, and security to those who needed protection. They offered support, and advice, they often knew 'their' patch well, and had links with local groups, many still do. But to extend the analogy, the time of the local sheriff is over, the time for federal law is here. Navajo may feel agreived, and yes, there are ways to deal with "totally hostile" attitudes - These have to be explored before anything else. Perhaps Navajo is the worst archaeologist in the area, perhaps the best - we can't say, other than one word against another. Time for licences? Has my vote... Easier than Chartered... and perhaps a fairer system where ability and competence is examined... just like I had to with my AAI&S membership - not like MiFA... which is now far from the original concept of field archaeologist capable of running a project...
Licence us... and then we have credentials... something to be trusted... for individuals in charge of projects... not just blanket RO coverage.. not MiFA ness... but a credential that has been peer reviewed. One thats worth the paper it is written on, and one that can be revoked - level the playing field... and for curator, perhaps its time to become a federal marshal and leave the small town sheriff to the past.