Shane Wero, BA

Senior Archaeologist

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Email: shanewero@dinetahdoo.com

 

My name is Shane Wero, I’m an archaeologist, and I’m Dine. My maternal clan is Bit’ahnii and my paternal clan is Tod dich’ii’nii. My life started on the Reservation, I was born in an Indian Health Service Hospital in Shiprock, New Mexico. My early childhood consisted of weekend trips to our “home on the rez”. My fascination with archaeology came at an early age when during a class trip to Aztec Ruins National Monument, I got see ancient ruins and pottery. This was a moment in my life that would come to define me years later.

 

Since that moment at Aztec Ruins National Monument, I have always been interested in the history of man. I divulged myself with other cultures and other moments in history. My passion though was always with the history of the Native American.

 

In college, at the University of New Mexico, I sought classes that pertain to the plight and understanding of Native American history. The eye opener this time was that all the information I got in school came from non-native observers and historians who came to these Native American communities. Most of what I read, was from an outside perspective and offered no insight other than seeing Native Americans and cultures as some sort of scientific specimen, in an underlying effort to answer the mundane, “this is what they do and why they do it”. In 2002, I graduated from the University of New Mexico and began my career in anthropology.

 

My career in archaeology started in November of 2002 when I was hired by Dinétahdóó CRM. Since then, my experience has grown and my knowledge of the Navajo Reservation as well. In 2006, I began my studies at Northern Arizona University Master’s Program and currently still working on obtaining my degree. I also had experience working under the National Park Service (2003 & 2004) when I was part of the archaeological consultants working at Dinosaur National Monument near Vernal, Utah.

 

My main interest in archaeology lies heavily on creating a Dine historical timeline and exploring the historical relationships between the Dine and other southwest tribes in order to better understand the overall history of the Dine in the southwest region.  Other than archaeology, my other interests include fly-fishing, mountain biking, cooking, disc golf and other outdoor pursuits.