Jordan Jamieson is an Anishinaabe knowledge keeper, leader and youth ambassador from Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation (MCFN). He is passionate about fostering productive dialogue between Indigenous and settler archaeologists, and helping to reframe the way we practice and teach archaeology in Canada to centre Indigenous perspectives.

The ways Jordan is working to decolonize archaeology provide a wonderful example for all archaeologists and the broader public. Jordan worked as a cultural resource management field technician for several years before becoming a Field Liaison Representative for MCFN in 2016. He then went on to become their Lead Field Liaison Representative in 2019. In these roles, Jordan participates in archaeological assessments within MCFN treaty territory on behalf of the Nation. His colleagues at MCFN speak highly of his talent for building mutual understanding between Indigenous and non-Indigenous archaeologists in Cultural Resource Management contexts.

Jordan makes important contributions to archaeological outreach and education. Since successfully completing the Ontario Archaeology Society’s ‘train the trainer’ program, Jordan regularly teaches training sessions for Indigenous Field Liaison Reps. He also regularly guest lectures in undergraduate university courses at University of Toronto Mississauga, successfully encouraging students to embrace different ways of knowing in post-secondary education. He has an impressive record of public presentations for community and academic audiences. He is also a key researcher on an ongoing research project designed to teach Anishinaabek Mississauga traditional practices and archaeology in a way the centers Mississauga knowledge, community learning and capacity building. His collaborators on the project praise his ability to connect youth to archaeology, which has been instrumental in cultural revitalization and sparking youth interest and action in heritage and policy. 

Jordan is helping to lead the development of community-based archaeology in Ontario and Canada. His passion and love for the subject and the relations involved is an inspiration. We are delighted to present him with this year’s Margaret and James F. Pendergast award.