Paul F. Reed, New Mexico Director & Preservation Archaeologist
(August 17, 2026)—I recently gave a presentation at the 2026 Pecos Conference, held near Mancos, Colorado. This essay flows from that talk.
Caveats
First, let me be clear: The views expressed here are my own. I am not making policy statements on behalf of Archaeology Southwest.
And, readers, I also speak plainly; my takes are not positive or rosy. I feel that we must confront what is right in front of us—a determined effort on the part of this administration to destroy or severely curtail the practice of archaeology, preservation, Tribal sovereignty, CRM work, and legitimate museum work. This government also seems intent on ignoring their Trust responsibilities to Indigenous Nations, Pueblos, and Tribes, to the great detriment of Tribal sovereignty and cultural protection.
Finally, please know that I do acknowledge the tough, tough choices for folks across the US who continue to work for the federal government under this administration. This is not about blaming or scapegoating anyone who works for Bureau of Land Management (BLM), National Park Service (NPS), Forest Service, or other federal agencies in this current dark age. It is, however, about opposing awful federal policy, in every way possible.