We are still spreading the petition. You can help and share this link: https://www.change.org/LeaveOurAncestorsInPeace
Our activities in short since the last update:
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July 19, 2021 - The release of our joint press release “Criticism remains despite suspension of excavations” (see also e.g. The Daily Herald, St. Maarten)
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July 28, 2021 - The Government of St. Eustatius press release on the installation of the Statia Heritage Research Commission. This Commission, which is said to be independant, consists of 15 people chaired by Jay Haviser, an archaeologist on St. Maarten and the President of the International Association for Caribbean Archaeology (IACA). One of us is on this committee.
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August 6, 2021 - We were in a radio broadcast of WRFG Radio Atlanta talking about the protests against the excavations on the program "Public Affairs: What Good Is A Song?"
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August 19, 2021 - Our press release African Descendants in St. Eustatius Critically Reflecting SHRC Committee
The Statia Heritage Research Committee (SHRC) has still not disclosed anything about its scope, purpose or activities. In the meantime, we are working to initiate a discussion about decolonization in archaeology. In addition, we want to clarify where the responsibilities for archaeological research lie and which guidelines for archaeological research in the Caribbean Netherlands apply or which are missing.
As always, we welcome your comments & feedback and thank you for your support!
Read for updates and backgrounds: https://afrikanhistoryandconsciousness.blogspot.com/