Dr. Kristen Barnett

Biography

Kristen Barnett is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at the University of British Columbia, where she holds a Tier-2 Canada Research Chair in Indigenous Archaeology. With a PhD from the University of Montana acquired in 2015, her work focuses on anthropological archaeology and Indigenous studies. Barnett's primary research interests intersect Indigenous knowledge and western science, exploring themes such as data sovereignty, Indigenous feminisms, and the decolonization of archaeology. She has extensive field research experience across various regions, including British Columbia, Patagonia, Central Montana, and Alaska, and emphasizes collaborative work with Indigenous communities. Her ongoing research, the Temyiq Tuyuryaq project, involves community archaeology that combines Indigenous perspectives with education and experiential learning, inspired by Indigenous Futurity. Barnett’s approach to archaeology prioritizes community needs and sustainability, engaging with a multitude of mediums such as digital storytelling, virtual reality, and art to expand the relevance of archaeological work.

Research Interests