Kurt A. Jordan

Kurt A. Jordan is a Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Cornell University’s College of Arts and Sciences. His work focuses on the archaeology and history of Haudenosaunee (Six Nations Iroquois) peoples, particularly the Onöndowa’ga:’ (Seneca) in the Finger Lakes region.

His educational background includes a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Columbia University (2002) and a B.A. in Anthropology and Government from Cornell University (1988).

• Research emphasizes settlement patterns, political economy, and Indigenous autonomy in the face of colonial narratives of decline.
• Projects include the 1715-1754 Townley-Read site and the 1688-1715 White Springs town, with descendant community collaboration.
• Publications like The Gayogo̱hó꞉nǫ Ɂ People in the Cayuga Lake Region challenge colonialist historical frameworks.
• Teaching includes courses on Indigenous Studies, archaeological theory, colonialism, and field training in Western New York.
• Public engagement includes talks in 13+ Central New York locations and Cayuga language class support.