The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast
Hosted by Carlton Shield Chief Gover, The Great Plains Archaeology Pocast is a deep dive into the archaeology, history, and cultures of North America's Great Plains. Each episode uncovers fascinating discoveries—from ancient artifacts and Indigenous lifeways to the latest research shaping our understanding of this storied region. Whether you're an archaeology enthusiast, history buff, or curious explorer, this podcast brings the hidden past of the Great Plains to life through expert insights, compelling stories, and cultural connections. Tune in and rediscover a land rich with history.
Revisiting the Jones-Miller Bison Kill Site with Amy Gillaspie - Ep 32
In this episode, Carlton sits down with archaeologist Amy Gillaspie to revisit their shared time working with the remarkable Jones-Miller Bison Kill Site collections at the Denver Museum of Nature and Science. They begin by exploring the archaeological significance of Jones-Miller, one of the most important Paleoindian bison kill and processing sites on the Great Plains. Amy discusses the site’s history, why it remains foundational to understanding communal hunting practices, and what makes its collection so unique.
Prey (2022) Review with Jacquelyn Sparks - Ep 031
For this episode, Carlton discusses Prey (2022) with Jaquelyn Sparks. They dive into themes of the film, including likes and dislikes, beavers, horses, and a lack of trade goods. Both Carlton and Jacquelyn recently watched the film to get Carlton ready for his hour-long interview on the Screens of the Stone Age Podcast. Definitely check out Carlton’s episode over there to get a full dive into the movie.
Life Along the Trails: 19th Century Nebraska Archaeology Nolan Johnson - Ep 30
In this episode, I sit down with Nebraska archaeologist Nolan Johnson to talk about his work uncovering and interpreting the state’s rich historic past. We begin with the Beaver Creek Trail Crossing, a site that offers a glimpse into the experiences of travelers along the overland trails and the material traces they left behind. Nolan shares the story of how the site was investigated, what artifacts reveal about life on the move, and why these places remain important today.
Three Decades of Nebraska Archaeology with Rob Bozell - Ep 29
In this episode, I sit down with Rob Bozell, who served the Nebraska State Historical Society for more than three decades and retired as State Archaeologist after a career that began in the 1980’s. Rob reflects on his journey through some of the most transformative decades in American archaeology, including the passage of the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) and its lasting impact on the field.
Digging Differently: Native Presence in Archaeology with Chance and Tyrel Part 2 - Ep 28
This episode continues my conversation with Tyrel Iron Eyes (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) and Chance Ward (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe). We turn to the stories and lessons from the field—where archaeology is practiced on the ground and in real time. Tyrel and Chance reflect on the growing presence of Native archaeologists, the ways Tribally informed practices are reshaping fieldwork, and how their own experiences demonstrate the importance of centering Native voices in research.
Plains Native Voices in Archaeology with Chance and Tyrel - Ep 27
In the first of this two-part conversation, I’m joined again by Tyrel Iron Eyes (Standing Rock Sioux Tribe) and Chance Ward (Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe). Rather than revisiting their individual career paths, we dive into the shared experiences of being Plains Native archaeologists working within institutions not designed for Native voices. Tyrel and Chance reflect on the balance between professional responsibilities and community obligations, the pride and challenges of representing their Nations in archaeology, and why mentorship and representation are so crucial for future generations of Indigenous professionals.
NAGPRA in Practice – Colorado’s Approach with Chance Ward - Ep 26
In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover sits down with Chance Ward, NAGPRA Coordinator for the State of Colorado and enrolled member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe. Together they explore what it means to oversee NAGPRA implementation at the state level—what the role involves and how Colorado approaches the repatriation process. Chance also reflects on his own perspective as a Lakota professional working in a state with historic ties to more than 48 Tribal Nations, including his own. Through this conversation, listeners gain insight into both the mechanics of NAGPRA and the personal dimensions of serving Native Nations from within state government.
PROMO - Pawnee Nation NAGPRA - HeVo 96
The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast is taking a break this week, so please enjoy this episode of Heritage Voices, another excellent show on The Archaeology Podcast Network.
Giants of the Plains: Mammoth Kills and Paleoindigenous Lifeways with Dr. Madeline Mackie - Ep 24
In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover sits down with Matt Reed, Chief and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. Matt shares how his role as THPO serves as both a cultural and regulatory responsibility—protecting sacred sites, ancestral landscapes, and Pawnee heritage through a tribally driven preservation program.
Preserving the Past, Leading the Present: A Conversation with Matt Reed of the Pawnee Nation - Ep 23
In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover sits down with Matt Reed, Chief and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. Matt shares how his role as THPO serves as both a cultural and regulatory responsibility—protecting sacred sites, ancestral landscapes, and Pawnee heritage through a tribally driven preservation program.
ENCORE - Taking a Chance on Anthropology with Chance Ward - Ruins Ep 125 - Ep 22
So Chance and Carlton were unable to get a recording together with the Federal Funding threats to the Historic Preservation Fund keeping their schedules incredibly busy into the evening. So, instead, here’s an ENCORE episode from A Life in Ruins Podcast featuring Chance and Carlton back in graduate school.
