Terevaka information
NAU students expand their study of anthropology with overseas research
The TAO (Terevaka Archaeological Outreach) program began in 2003 on Rapa Nui (Easter Island, Chile) as a grassroots approach to education, conservation, and research on the island. Island high school students, along with interns from the U.S., have now completed projects in archaeological survey, surface mapping, lichenometry, documentary filmmaking, photogrammetry, toponymy, ghost stories, and archival museum studies.
The program has three primary purposes relevant to Northern Arizona University students earning degrees in Anthropology:
- To offer experiential learning opportunities specific to cultural and natural resources that surround the local community;
- To promote awareness and expertise in conservation measures and sustainable development; and
- To document and study both cultural phenomena of the past and today.
Principal investigators
Dr. Shepardson is an archaeologist specializing in educational outreach, heritage management, geographic information systems, quantitative research, and emergent complexity. He’s worked on Easter Island and various other Pacific Islands since 2000. He is a Lecturer at NAU as well as the Founder and Director of Terevaka Archaeological Outreach.
Get involved!
The project includes both volunteer and for-credit opportunities for undergraduate students as well as graduate students.
Location
Research takes place both at Northern Arizona University and on Easter Island, Chile.
Dates
Student participation is normally offered from the last week of June until late July (4 weeks). On campus research opportunities are available in both Fall and Spring semesters.
Contact
Email Britton Shepardson
Terevaka Archaeological Outreach Website
Terevaka Archaeological Outreach Facebook Page
Partners
TAO collaborates regularly with explora hotel, the Easter Island Foundation, Mt. Holyoke College, and the Padre Sebastian Englert Anthropological Museum.
Support
TAO operates as a U.S. non-profit 501(c)(3) with support from explora hotel and many generous individual donations.