University of Toronto’s Dr. Lindsay Martel Montgomery Champions Indigenous Data Sovereignty in Archaeological Practice

Toronto, Canada, 19th August 2025, ZEX PR WIRE, In an era where conversations about decolonization and ethical research practices are reshaping academic landscapes, Dr. Lindsay Martel Montgomery, Associate Professor of Anthropology at the University of Toronto, is at the forefront of a movement that aims to fundamentally change how archaeology and heritage preservation are practiced. With her pioneering work on Indigenous data sovereignty, Dr. Montgomery is helping to redefine the relationship between researchers and Indigenous communities by moving from extraction to collaboration, and from ownership to empowerment.

Recognized nationally and internationally as a leading voice in community-engaged archaeology, Dr. Montgomery’s research and advocacy efforts are driving a shift toward culturally sensitive, ethically grounded practices that empower Indigenous peoples to tell their own stories and safeguard their own heritage.

A Scholar Bridging Worlds

Holding a Ph.D. in Anthropology from Stanford University, Dr. Montgomery has cultivated a unique academic and professional trajectory that blends rigorous archaeological and historical methods with  community collaboration. Her research spans the breadth of North America and focuses on integrating oral histories, traditional ecological knowledge, and Indigenous epistemologies into archaeological narratives.

Now based at one of Canada’s most prestigious institutions, Dr. Montgomery has become a trusted advisor to organizations, museums, and educational institutions seeking to engage with Indigenous heritage in meaningful and respectful ways.

“Archaeology has long been a field shaped by colonial power structures,” Dr. Montgomery explains. “My goal is to help dismantle those structures by creating models for research that are collaborative, culturally relevant, and grounded in Indigenous sovereignty over cultural knowledge and data.”

Redefining Archaeology Through Indigenous Data Sovereignty

At the core of Dr. Montgomery’s work is the concept of Indigenous data sovereignty (IDS), the right of Indigenous peoples to control the collection, interpretation, and dissemination of data that pertains to their communities, lands, languages, and histories.

This principle challenges conventional models of archaeological research, where findings are often removed from communities, housed in distant archives or museums, and interpreted through Western frameworks. Instead, Dr. Montgomery advocates for approaches where Indigenous partners are not just the subjects of study but co-curators and co-authors throughout the research process.

Her projects emphasize:

• Collaborative research planning and informed consent before any excavation or study begins.
  

• Culturally appropriate storage and use protocols of data, including artifacts, digital records, and field notes.
  

• Community-centered dissemination, ensuring findings are shared first and foremost with the communities involved.
  

• Commitment to long-term partnership building, that responds to the changing needs and goals of communities.
  

Through this work, Dr. Montgomery is helping to build models of decolonial practice that are already influencing academic programs, museum policies, and institutionalguidelines on heritage management.

Consulting, Advocacy, and Leadership Beyond Academia

While her roots are in academia, Dr. Montgomery’s impact extends far beyond the university classroom. She consults regularly with:

• Nonprofit organizations working to preserve Indigenous languages and cultural heritage.
  

• Museums seeking to decolonize their collections and curatorial practices.
  

• Universities reimagining research ethics boards and curriculum design.
  

Her recent work includes developing ethical fieldwork frameworks for cultural heritage projects, training studentsin respectful collaboration with Indigenous communities, and contributing to international conversations on repatriation and digital data sovereignty.

Dr. Montgomery’s ability to navigate institutional policy and community priorities has made her a sought-after advisor and public speaker. Her contributions have been featured on platforms such as IdeaMensch and in interviews like “Getting to Know Professor Lindsay Martel Montgomery,” where she shares her philosophy of leadership, justice, and shared stewardship.

National and International Recognition

Dr. Montgomery’s contributions to Indigenous heritage research have earned her prestigious grants and fellowships from organizations such as the:

• Wenner-Gren Foundation, supporting anthropological research that challenges conventional thought.

• National Science Foundation, funding innovative archaeological field research that enhances understanding of the past
  

• Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), which backs innovative social science projects with national impact.
  

These accolades reflect the academic excellence, cultural relevance, and transformative potential of Dr. Montgomery’s work. But for her, the most meaningful recognition comes from the communities she partners with.

“True success,” she says, “is when a community feels that a project has supported their goals, respected their knowledge systems, and left something of value behind.”

The Future of Archaeology: Ethical, Equitable, and Indigenous-Led

Dr. Montgomery envisions a future where archaeology is no longer an extractive colonial enterprise, but a field of shared knowledge production that uplifts Indigenous voices and narratives. Her vision includes:

• Supporting the next generation of Indigenous scholars through mentorship and inclusive research opportunities.
  

• Promoting curriculum reform in anthropology and archaeology programs to include community-engaged methodologies and Indigenous philosophies.
  

• Helping institutions establish policies of accountability and transparency, particularly regarding how they collect, use, and store cultural data.
  

“We must build a field where research is not done about communities but with them—and, ideally, led by them,” she emphasizes.

To that end, Dr. Montgomery continues to develop training materials, ethical toolkits, and strategic partnerships designed to equip researchers, students, and institutions with the knowledge and resources to engage in culturally responsible work.

Speaking, Teaching, and Transforming Systems

In addition to her scholarship and consulting work, Dr. Montgomery is a dynamic educator and speaker who brings her passion for ethical archaeology to conferences, classrooms, and public forums across North America.

Her lectures focus on topics such as:

• The colonial history of archaeology and its modern-day consequences.
  

• The principles and practice of Indigenous data sovereignty.
  

• Strategies for building equitable partnerships between researchers and communities.
  

• The role of storytelling, oral tradition, and Indigenous epistemologies in reshaping archaeological narratives.
  

As part of her commitment to accessibility and public scholarship, she continues to engage through interviews, workshops, and community events that demystify academic research and promote cross-cultural understanding.

Conclusion: A Champion for Change

In a time when institutions are being called to reflect, reform, and redress historic wrongs, Dr. Lindsay Martel Montgomery’s work is both timely and transformative. Her efforts to center Indigenous voices in archaeology represent not only a shift in method but a deeper shift in values toward respect, reciprocity, and repair.

From rural field sites to boardroom policy discussions, Dr. Montgomery is changing how we understand cultural heritage and who gets to define it.

For more information about Dr. Montgomery’s work, speaking engagements, or collaborative opportunities, visit the University of Toronto Department of Anthropology or connect via https://lindsay-montgomery.com/