Join us on a journey from the bustling streets of Downtown Los Angeles to the breathtaking landscapes of Southeastern Utah! The Bears Ears Digital Cultural Initiative, spearheaded by USC Anthropology professor Dr. Eric Heller, recently gained recognition in the podcast “Science Moab.”
“Science Moab,” a nonprofit dedicated to connecting science and art in southeastern Utah and the Colorado Plateau, featured Dr. Heller alongside project collaborators Dr. Noah Pleshet, an anthropology professor at the University of New Brunswick, and Dr. Ben Bellorado, assistant curator at the Arizona State Museum. This podcast collaborates closely with its local communities to highlight the outstanding projects underway in the area, and the mention of USC’s initiative is an esteemed recognition.
Notably, the Bears Ears Digital Cultural Initiative is deeply rooted in collaboration with Utah’s local institutions. Supported by funding from the Canyonlands Natural History Association, the project partners with federal agencies such as the Bureau of Land Management, the National Forest Service, the Navajo Nation Historic Preservation Department, and the Zuni Cultural Resource Advisory Team. By uniting these organizations, the initiative fosters stronger connections between local communities and their sacred sites through immersive digital experiences.
At the heart of the project is the creation of a virtual reality platform that allows users to explore ancient Pueblo sites, including cliff dwellings and ancient apartment complexes. Through workshops, Navajo and Zuni community members gain skills in digital tools like photogrammetry, so that they can also be involved in the digital creation process. “We are taking this technology from the hands of people like me, and we are taking it to where it needs to be” Dr. Heller explains.
Hosted by Kristina Young, the episode captures how this project blends cutting-edge technology with cultural preservation, in service of the community of southeastern Utah. The podcast is available on Apple Podcasts—be sure to check it out!
https://sciencemoab.org/collaboration-for-preservation-2/