Care for the Future: Heritage Education in the Context of Rapa Nui (Easter Island) and Other Small Island Communities.

Abstract

Education is accepted to be the principal means by which archaeological heritage can be both enjoyed and preserved. Links between research and education through outreach are an important part of archaeological projects on Rapa Nui, for example providing new information for site interpretation. Knowledge exchange between researchers and heritage managers can be another important outcome, or impact, of research. The preliminary findings from doctoral interview-based research with residents pertaining to archaeology, heritage management and heritage education programs that have taken place on Rapa Nui the island will be discussed here. We examine the role archaeological heritage is playing in Rapa Nui in education contexts, and make some observations as to the impact and legacy of this important work. One aspect of the education program is in developing links between researchers, heritage managers, museums and school pupils between Rapa Nui, and the islands of Orkney, Scotland. The benefits and potential of links between small island communities in heritage education and management are considered in this paper.