معرفی
John Welch is a Professor in the Department of Archaeology at Simon Fraser University, specializing in social archaeology and cultural heritage management. With over three decades of community-based research, he focuses on indigenous sovereignty, sustainability, and intercultural reconciliation through partnerships with First Nations communities.
His academic background includes:
- BA in Anthropology from Hamilton College
- MA in Anthropology from the University of Arizona
- PhD in Anthropology from the University of Arizona
Dr. Welch's research examines how cultural and historical factors shape heritage practices, emphasizing community-driven stewardship of biophysical and cultural resources. His work bridges archaeological methods with indigenous governance to advance sustainability and reconciliation, particularly at the intersection of land histories and policy development.
Recent publications (2017-2023) reveal consistent focus on indigenous rights, climate adaptation, and decolonizing heritage management. His scholarship spans forensic applications for cultural property crime, therapeutic dimensions of archaeology, and sovereignty-driven land stewardship, published in leading journals like PNAS and American Anthropologist.
He actively advises graduate students and teaches Cultural Heritage Management (ARCH 286) and Graduate Seminar I (ARCH 872), with courses scheduled through Fall 2025. His grant work includes service on the Steering Committee for SFU's Intellectual Property Issues in Cultural Heritage Project.
Dr. Welch maintains long-term collaborations with the White Mountain Apache Tribe (Arizona) and British Columbia's Tla’amin, Katzie, and Stó:lō First Nations, focusing on sacred site protection, climate resilience, and community capacity building through archaeology.
