Historical archaeologies use the concept of the historical “palimpsest,” the layering of multiple histories on sites over time. However, we often don’t acknowledge that every site is on Native Land. What strategies have historical archaeologists developed for engaging Native communities at sites that primarily narrate non-native histories? Does a community-based approach encourage or discourage acknowledgment of multiple histories in shared places or landscapes? How can archaeologists participate in relationship-building across multiple sites and descendant communities?

This panel addresses these questions through the experience of archaeologists engaging multiple communities, whether nascent coalitions or long-term engagements. It uses an interactive format in which panelists and the audience discuss together and with the session as a whole. We hope panelists and attendees will learn from each other's successes and failures at drawing together previously unconnected communities and histories through shared landscapes and sites.