Considering the past, present and future of Indigenous archaeology

This essay situates this thematic issue on Indigenous archaeology in the larger context of its development over the past three decades. I provide historical points of reference and then address four questions concerning its contributions to theory, methodology, reconciliation and decolonisation. I also identify seven themes that will likely figure prominently in the future of Indigenous archaeology: 1) different epistemological regimes; 2) contradictory results; 3) defining “evidence;” 4) quality of research; 5) a racialized archaeology?; 6) critical self-awareness; and 7) the influence of gender. As Indigenous archaeology is often a strongly personal endeavour, I predicate my words on personal experiences and lessons learned through working with and for Indigenous colleagues and communities since the 1980s.