Táatamay Indigenous Archaeology Field School (TFS): Overview |
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TFS is a five-week, hands-on field course in Indigenous archaeology held in Southern California. Students work directly with Tribal partners to conduct ethical, non-invasive archaeological research, gaining training in field survey, mapping, GIS, and community-based research methods. TFS is the field training and data collection arm of EIHP, taught in partnership with the Pechanga Cultural Resources Department (PCRD), the University of Connecticut (UConn), and San Diego State University (SDSU) Field Programs.
Program Goals
Program Goals
- Provide hands-on training in ethical, community-based archaeological methods
- Build long-term research partnerships with Tribal Nations and descendant communities
- Document and protect Indigenous cultural heritage sites
- Prepare students for careers in archaeology, cultural resource management, and heritage stewardship
- Advance Indigenous-led approaches to archaeological research and land management
What You'll Learn
TFS emphasizes minimally invasive field methods. Students learn a "catch-and-release" survey technique, where artifacts are documented and digitally recorded in place rather than removed, unless the Pechanga Cultural Resources Department specifically requests collection. Survey zones are identified using Payómkawichum oral history and traditional ecological knowledge alongside standard archaeological indicators, treating culturally significant plants, water sources, and landforms as part of the heritage record. Students also train beyond standard cultural resource management (CRM) practice, gaining direct experience with the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and California's human remains discovery statutes — the legal and ethical frameworks governing the treatment of Indigenous ancestors and cultural items.
- Archaeological, Museum, Ecology, and Indigenous Field Methods: Pedestrian survey, site recording, excavation, and museum curation and mapping techniques, and field safety protocols, alongside ecological fieldwork identifying culturally significant native plant communities that inform Tribal and land-management partners' stewardship.
- GIS & Spatial Data: Hands-on training in GPS data collection and geographic information systems (GIS) for archaeological mapping.
- Artifact & Archival Work: Laboratory methods including artifact cleaning, cataloging, and identification, alongside archival and historical research skills.
- Community Collaboration: Working directly with Tribal partners and cultural experts, grounded in Indigenous research protocols and ethics.
- Community Engagement: Communicating archaeological and Indigenous histories to public and academic audiences.
Location
TFS is based at the Santa Margarita River Trail Preserve (SMRTP) in Fallbrook, San Diego County, California — land within Pechanga ancestral territory, protected in partnership with The Wildlands Conservancy. Fieldwork also extends across the adjacent Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve and Mariposa Preserve, spanning San Diego, Riverside, and Orange counties.
Project Logistics
Dates: TFS is taught as part of UConn's Summer Session II, typically running from the last week of May through July 1st. Exact dates shift slightly year to year based on the academic calendar and Tribal partner availability.
Program Length: TFS runs as either a 5-week or 3-week program, depending on the year and the needs of Tribal partners. The 5-week format is the full field school. In years the program runs 3 weeks, a smaller group of 1–2 students is selected for high-intensity specialized training.
Weekly Schedule: Monday through Thursday, students are in the field. Fridays are lab and curation days at the Pechanga Cultural Resources Department.
Housing: Students stay in a shared field house on San Diego State University's Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve property. Housing is dormitory-style with shared rooms. Housing fees are paid directly to the SDSU Field Station Program by check or electronic deposit. Meals are prepared as a group on weekdays and covered by the project; weekends are unstructured and open for students to explore the area.
Cost & Academic Credit: Students may enroll for 1, 3, or 6 units, each offering a different level of training:
A one-time enrollment fee of $45 applies to non-UConn students. Costs above reflect tuition only; students are responsible for their own travel to Southern California.
Program Length: TFS runs as either a 5-week or 3-week program, depending on the year and the needs of Tribal partners. The 5-week format is the full field school. In years the program runs 3 weeks, a smaller group of 1–2 students is selected for high-intensity specialized training.
Weekly Schedule: Monday through Thursday, students are in the field. Fridays are lab and curation days at the Pechanga Cultural Resources Department.
Housing: Students stay in a shared field house on San Diego State University's Santa Margarita Ecological Reserve property. Housing is dormitory-style with shared rooms. Housing fees are paid directly to the SDSU Field Station Program by check or electronic deposit. Meals are prepared as a group on weekdays and covered by the project; weekends are unstructured and open for students to explore the area.
Cost & Academic Credit: Students may enroll for 1, 3, or 6 units, each offering a different level of training:
- 1 unit ($709): Basic survey methods, archival research, and community engagement
- 3 units ($2,127): All of the above, plus participation in lab projects
- 6 units ($4,254): All of the above, plus report-writing training
A one-time enrollment fee of $45 applies to non-UConn students. Costs above reflect tuition only; students are responsible for their own travel to Southern California.
How to apply:
TFS accepts a limited number of students each year — enrollment is capped at 8 students, reflecting the program's training commitments to Pechanga Cultural Resources Department staff and Tribal community members. Applications are submitted through an online form and require:
We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, especially Tribal Nation members, students from Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and other historically underrepresented groups. Additional support is available for Native American/Indigenous students for housing and food costs.
Questions? Contact Dr. Nathan Acebo at [email protected].
- A one-page statement of interest describing your academic, professional, or personal interest in archaeology, your interest in working with Indigenous communities, and any relevant experience
- A resume
- Letters of recommendation (up to 2, optional but encouraged) — sent directly to Dr. Nathan Acebo at [email protected]
We encourage applications from students of all backgrounds, especially Tribal Nation members, students from Tribal Colleges and Universities (TCUs), and other historically underrepresented groups. Additional support is available for Native American/Indigenous students for housing and food costs.
- Priority deadline: April 1
- Final deadline: May 15
Questions? Contact Dr. Nathan Acebo at [email protected].