Three different points of view can be considered: The Navajo point of view and the Pueblo view and how each percieves the ruins and landscape. These views do not conform with how an archaeologist sees resources. Then there are the views of the archaeologist and scientist and why the area was chosen for the expedition.
The Onward Project works to shift the focus from the usual stereotypical or romantic narratives of Westward Expansion by bringing forward voices that have been historically marginalized or erased. Through direct outreach and collaboration with various Native communities with ties to the area, the Project will convey a multiplicity of perspectives of the landscape informed by the collective memory, knowledges, and histories of each community.
Examples of our outreach include a visit to the Navajo Nation Museum followed by an invitation to participate in the Navajo Nation Fair. A visit to the Pueblo of Zuni and the A:shiwi A:wan Museum gave us an opportunity to listen to the unique viewpoint and open a dialogue about a possible collaboration. We have met with Native Tribe consultants to discuss cultural memory in terms of the expedition and the advantages of employing a virtual environment to explore different points of view about land and ruins. We plan to create platforms within communities to gather stories, some sharable with other community members and others that will become part of the multi-layered storytelling experience for The ONWARD Project.
