Dr. Nicholas Laluk

Biography

Nicholas Laluk is an Indigenous archaeologist from the White Mountain Apache Tribe, focusing on decolonization and Indigenization within the archaeological discipline. He conducts sovereignty-driven research that employs tribal management practices and cultural tenets to engage Tribal nations in collaborative archaeological efforts. His work emphasizes the ways Indigenous communities rationalize and understand their social identities, fostering community-based research that challenges colonial models. Laluk earned his Ph.D. in Anthropology from the University of Arizona, where he gained extensive professional experience working with Native American communities. His previous roles include serving as a Tribal liaison-archaeologist with the U.S. Forest Service and as a Deputy Historic Preservation Officer for his Tribe, advocating for the protection and preservation of cultural heritage. Nicholas's research interests also encompass Indigenous fire ecologies and placemaking, reflecting his commitment to social justice and inclusion in academia.

Research Interests

Experience