On Friday, April 24 at 2 PM in Hibben 105, Dr. Eva Lilia Martínez Ordóñez of the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras will present her talk Listening to Communities: Community Archaeology, Multivocal Heritage, and the Protection of Archaeological Sites in Honduras as part of the Anthropology Colloquia Series.  

Abstract
Archaeology is increasingly understood not only as the study of the past but also as a socially engaged practice embedded in contemporary communities. Drawing on approaches from public, community, and applied archaeology, this talk explores how archaeological research can foster meaningful dialogue between past and present while contributing to the protection of cultural heritage.

Focusing on experiences from community-based archaeological initiatives in Honduras, this presentation examines how collaboration with local communities strengthens both archaeological interpretation and heritage stewardship. Community archaeology foregrounds multivocality, participatory research, and ethical engagement with the diverse actors who inhabit archaeological landscapes.

By integrating local knowledge and community participation, archaeological projects can support site protection, capacity building, and locally grounded approaches to sustainable heritage management. The presentation will also discuss how these principles are being implemented through an ongoing community-based research initiative led by the Department of Anthropology at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de Honduras (UNAH) in the southeastern region of the country.