The members of the High Plains Society for Applied Anthropology had an intellectually stimulating and reinvigorating retreat at the Ghost Ranch in Abiquiu, New Mexico on October 1-3. Outstanding presentations were made on topics of collaborative research methodology, oral histories, cultural landscapes, cultural affiliation, ecology and culture, gender and economy, and cultural identity. There were robust discussions about the ideals and realities of community collaboration, and the role of field schools in implementing social welfare programs. The Executive Director of the Society for Applied Anthropology also attended to explore the possibility of a joint meeting with SfAA in 2013. The group left enthusiastic for the upcoming Spring Conference of HPSfAA April 15-17, 2010 in Denver. The Spring Conference theme will be the role of applied anthropology in improving quality of life, with a subtheme of the legacy of Omer Stewart. Many thanks to all the Ghost Ranch presenters and participants! See everyone in April.
