Biography:
Laila Haglund is an archaeologist who played a key role in establishing consulting archaeology in Australia and in drafting Queensland’s first legislation to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage. Born in Sweden, Haglund studied Latin, Greek, and classical archaeology at the University of Lund. During her studies, she had the opportunity to visit Australia to study Cypriot pottery with Jim and Eve Stewart. It was during this visit that she also had a chance meeting with V. Gordon Childe, which would later have a profound impact on her career.
Her initial focus of study was on classical archaeology, but her interests shifted after observing Aboriginal lithic scatters in the Bathurst area. Intrigued by prehistory and conservation, Haglund decided to pursue further studies in these areas at the University of London. During this period, she had the opportunity to excavate at archaeological sites in both Britain and Sweden, further honing her skills and expertise.
In 1965, Haglund made the decision to emigrate to Australia with her Australian husband. Her arrival in Australia coincided with a critical moment in the country’s archaeological history. At the time, she was the only archaeologist in the state, and she was approached by the University of Queensland to conduct salvage excavations at the Broadbeach Aboriginal burial ground on the Gold Coast.
Over the course of six seasons from April 1965 to August 1968, Haglund led the salvage excavations, unearthing the skeletal remains of over 150 Aboriginal people, specifically the Kombumerri clan. The scale of the project required improvisation and adaptability, making it one of the largest excavations ever undertaken in Australia. The work she conducted during this time earned her a Master of Arts degree from the University of Queensland and a Ph.D. from Stockholm University.
In 1976, the excavation report was published, marking it as a pioneer in archaeological research. Furthermore, it became a pivotal example of repatriation in Australia, as the human remains were returned to the local Aboriginal community and subsequently reburied in 1988. This repatriation process highlighted the importance of acknowledging and respecting the cultural heritage of Indigenous populations.
Haglund’s contributions extended beyond her work in the field. She also played a significant role in drafting the first legislation to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage in Queensland. In 1967, the Aboriginal Relics Preservation Act was enacted, thanks to Haglund’s efforts. She served as a Member of the Advisory Committee to the Queensland Minister for Conservation, Marine, and Aboriginal Affairs from 1967 to 1974, where she continued to advocate for the preservation and recognition of Aboriginal heritage.
Recognizing the need to professionalize archaeology in Australia following the introduction of heritage legislation in New South Wales, Haglund played a crucial role in establishing the Australian Association of Consulting Archaeologists Inc. (AACAI). Furthermore, from 1979 to 1986, she served as the inaugural president of the AACAI, solidifying her impact on the field.
To honor her major contributions to Australian professional archaeology, the AACAI established the Laila Haglund Prize for Excellence in Consulting. This prestigious award is presented annually at the Australian Archaeological Association conference, recognizing outstanding achievements in the field of consulting archaeology.
Throughout her career, Haglund has consistently demonstrated a dedication to the preservation and understanding of cultural heritage. Her contributions to archaeology and advocacy for Aboriginal cultural heritage continue to inspire and shape the field to this day.
Awards:
– Laila Haglund Prize for Excellence in Consulting (established by the AACAI in 2005)