Heather Walder is a lifelong resident of Wisconsin who was inspired by early visits to historic sites with her mother. “Those early experiences led me to have an interest in understanding our past, and eventually to pursue my Ph.D. in anthropology,” she says. (Photo courtesy of Tyrel Iron Eyes.)
Heather Walder, a leading figure in Wisconsin archaeology, is being celebrated for her innovative contributions to the field with the Increase A. Lapham Research Medal, one of the Wisconsin Archeological Society’s highest honors. The award, which recognizes significant achievements in Wisconsin archaeology and anthropology, will be formally presented on Oct. 18 in Milwaukee.
A faculty member at UW-La Crosse, Walder has dedicated her career to illuminating the rich archaeological history of her home state. Her research, which began with her dissertation at UW-Madison focusing on bead interactions in the Upper Great Lakes, has expanded into collaborative, community-centered projects. Notably, she has worked closely with the Red Cliff Band of Lake Superior Chippewa through the Geté Anishinaabeg Izhichigéwin Community Archaeology Project (GAICAP), revitalizing connections to the past for Indigenous communities.
“Through my work, I have developed meaningful working relationships with members of Wisconsin’s Native Nations, and I think this award celebrates that kind of progress in the practice of Wisconsin archaeology,” says Walder. “I hope that through receiving this award, I can draw attention to the continuing need for archaeologists in this state, and indeed, nationwide, to collaborate with and work for the benefit of the descendant communities connected to archaeological sites.”
Walder’s research has been groundbreaking, uncovering evidence of Native peoples’ resilience and agency during periods of oppression, as well as their active role in early trans-Atlantic trade. Her findings challenge long-held assumptions about Indigenous communities and their interactions.
Walder is also known for the use of cutting-edge analytical techniques, including portable x-ray fluorescence (pXRF) and Laser Ablation-Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). These minimally-invasive technologies allow for detailed chemical analysis of artifacts, offering insights into trading networks and cultural dynamics during early Indigenous-European contact.
“Dr. Walder’s outstanding work is of critical importance in identification of source materials and separation of Native and European copper sources, long a problem for researchers,” noted Janet Speth, an honorary fellow in the Department of Integrative Biology at the UW Madison and member of the Wisconsin Archeological Society.
In addition to her research, Walder is committed to education and outreach. Her students at UWL benefit from hands-on experience with new technologies, and she actively shares her research with broader audiences. Speth praised Walder’s dedication to making her findings accessible beyond the academic community.
“Her impressive list of scholarly publications is matched by her exemplary record on outreach beyond the professional community. This sharing of new research and insights is a model for others to follow,” says Speth.
Walder’s roots in Wisconsin run deep; she grew up exploring historic sites and small museums with her mother, a fourth-grade teacher who instilled in her a passion for history. “Those early experiences sparked my interest in understanding our past, leading me to pursue a Ph.D. in anthropology,” she reflected.
Walder’s work not only enriches the field of archaeology but also inspires her students and fellow archaeologists to prioritize collaboration and community engagement. Her recognition with the Lapham Medal marks a significant milestone in her ongoing efforts to connect the past with present-day communities in Wisconsin.
Written by UW-La Crosse
Link to original story: https://www.uwlax.edu/news/posts/illuminating-wisconsins-past/