Throughout this presentation I will attempt to demonstrate the potential of archaeology toinfluence contemporary social justice movements by providing empirical evidence of historicalinjustices. I will also discuss the ethical responsibilities of archaeologists to engage withdescendant communities and the public in a manner that respects and amplifies marginalizedvoices.

Benjamin is a prominent Indigenous student leader and activist currently pursuing a master'sdegree in anthropology at the University of Alberta. He is a member of the Métis Nation ofAlberta and has a background in archaeology, focusing on cultural disappearance and socialjustice activism within the academic sphere.He has held multiple leadership positions at the university, including being elected as the vice-president (student life) of the Graduate Students' Association (GSA). He has also been active inadvocating for Indigenous representation and reconciliation, co-creating the GSA's vice-president (Indigenous relations) position, which will be introduced in 2025.Additionally, Benjamin is one the co-presidents of the Indigenous Graduate Students’Association (IGSA) and has been involved in organizing events to counteract residential schooldenialism. He has been vocal about the impact of such denialism on Indigenous communitiesand the importance of truth and reconciliation efforts.

On the Edge: Emerging Scholarsis a speaker series featuring cutting edge research presented by emerging scholars and researchers from Edmonton's academic community. Presented in partnership with the University of Alberta's Faculty of Graduate Studies and Research.