Eirik Thorsgard
Cultural Protection Specialist
Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde Community of Oregon
Work 1-503-879-1630 Ext 1630
Presentation Time
Friday, September 8, 2006: 7:00 PM
Calapooia Mounds Contested Interpretations and Meanings
Abstract
Research into areas of that house burials or other sensitive cultural material often creates differing values on the meanings of these places. A classic example of this is the Calapooia/Kalapuya Mounds located in the Willamette Valley in Western Oregon. Research and interaction with these mounds has occurred since the 1860’s with the call for continued research always being the answer. The main question should be what do we know mean rather than a meaningless call for more information. This and contested cultural values, intellectual property rights, and ethical standards creates a conundrum that creates a paramount question regarding archaeological resources; specifically the Calapooia Mounds: What do they mean to the people of the past and to the descendants of those people today.