Sharing Mesa Verde Stories: Transdisciplinary Collaboration in the Field

Steve Bardolph, University of Minnesota-Duluth, Photographer and Graphic Designer
Robert Figueroa, University of North Texas, Environmental Philosopher
Melinda Levin, University of North Texas, Documentary Filmmaker
Porter Swentzell, Santa Clara Pueblo, Tewa Collaborator
David Taylor, University of North Texas, Nature Writer
Steve Wolverton, University of North Texas, Archaeologist

At the 2010 Victoria conference, Science, Life, and Politics: Tools for Legitimizing Stories introduced a transdisciplinary investigation of scholars describing formal and investigative storytelling as a model for communication across academia and society. From there The Mesa Verde Project emerged―a larger research group, broader in representation, committed to experiential collaboration “in the field together.”

Our use of “storytelling” demonstrates ways social discourse, public engagement, and layered narratives from humanities, sciences, communities, and public officials articulate the significance of Mesa Verde archaeology for understanding co-existing and co-influencing cultures over time. By framing interpretations through various “field “ lenses (nature photography, environmental justice, nature writing, Pueblo culture, film, and archaeology), “Sharing Mesa Verde Stories” presents a horizon to bridge the gaps between academia and the communities affected by cultural research, specifically the Pueblo Indians. This panel comprises mini-presentations of aspects of the field approach mixed with opportunities for audience and panel discussion.