Ideas Her job is to find buried children at residential schools
May 12, 2025
Kisha Supernant, a Métis archeologist and Director at the Institute of Prairie and Indigenous Archaeology, works to uncover the graves of children from residential schools. She discusses her journey from being labeled a 'grave robber' to a crucial figure in restorative justice. Using cutting-edge ground radar and traditional knowledge, she emphasizes the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives in her work. Supernant highlights the emotional weight of the search and advocates for reclaiming narratives to foster healing within communities.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reimagining Archaeology with Heart
- Archaeology has been a colonial, extractive discipline focused on data and intellectual study, often marginalizing Indigenous voices.
- Keisha Supernant advocates for archaeology conducted with the heart and community needs, combining science with Indigenous knowledge for restorative justice.
Archaeology Leads to Family Connection
- Keisha knew little about her family due to foster care experiences but used archaeology to reconnect with her Métis heritage.
- Scholarly work brought her to community, highlighting diverse Métis experiences and shared pathways home.
Personal Journey Shapes Archaeology
- Keisha's personal journey to understand and reconnect with her Métis heritage inspired her to create the Exploring Métis Identity through Archaeology project.
- She challenges racial purity myths and promotes Métis archaeology centered on connection and relations.