ZION CANYON FIELD INSTITUTE-THE FERN AND J.L. CRAWFORD LECTURE SERIES

Zion Canyon Field Institute's fourth season of the Fern and J. L. Crawford Lecture Series will emphasize the natural and cultural history of deserts.
The lecture series is offered free to the public and all lectures are scheduled for 7:30 pm at the Canyon Community Center, 126 Lion Boulevard, in Springdale.
Lectures currently scheduled for the year include:

JANUARY 15, 2011

"The Paiutes and Prehistory: An Archaeological Problem or The Problem With Archaeologists"

This lecture examines the various theories regarding the relationship between the local Paiute groups and the prehistoric Puebloans. Special focus is given to the controversial "Population Continuity" argument that posits that the Paiute groups are the descendants of the local Puebloan culture that were able to adapt to a changing high-desert environment.

Archaeologist David Van Alfen formerly of Zion National Park and now with Grand Canyon- Parashant National Monument has close to twenty years of archaeological field experience and has published numerous papers in the field. His field of expertise is prehistoric ceramics.

FEBRUARY 10, 2011

"Southern Paiute: A Contemporary View"

Logan Hebner and Michael Plyler creators of the new book "Southern Paiute: A Portrait" by Utah State University Press will explore themes of contemporary loss and redemption among the Southern Paiute people. Such topics as termination and reinstatement, the fragmenting of bands and tribes, the federal government's misguided approach to native affairs in general, and the difficulty of maintaining centuries old traditions in an ever-changing modern world.

Complete Schedule of ZCFI Workshops and Seminars