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Date of press release: December 6, 2023
Contact: [email protected]
WASHINGTON — Interior Secretary Deb Haaland announced today that the National Park Service will collaborate with tribes across the country on a new thematic study that will focus on the Indian Reorganization period to help broaden understanding of a important chapter in American history.
A thematic study provides national historical context for specific topics in American history or prehistory, as well as evaluation guidance and a list of properties for study in the possible future. National Historic Landmarks. This thematic study builds on the Federal Indian Residential Schools Initiative and other Department of the Interior efforts to ensure that Native American history is recognized as American history.
“Native American history is American history, and it should be told by indigenous people. The stories we share inform not only our present but also the future world that we will pass on to the next generation of leaders. They help us define ourselves,” said Secretary Deb Haaland in his remarks at the 2023 White House Tribal Nations Summit. “I am grateful that the National Park Service is working closely on this study with Native communities to ensure that their indigenous stories, perspectives, and knowledge constitute a key element of this work.”
While injustices and the continued implementation of assimilation policies persisted in many Native communities, during the Indian Reorganization period (1934-1950), the country experienced a greater appreciation of Native American culture, a greater concern given to the self-determination and self-government of American Indians. and the movement begins to develop more economic opportunities on tribal lands.
“We will work with Tribes through rigorous study and collaborative work to interpret and preserve important chapters of American history, elevating a valuable perspective and strengthening the National Park Service’s role as America’s storyteller.” , Chuck Sams, NPS Director said.
The National Park Foundation is helping to launch the study, which will be prepared with advice and expertise from external partners, including tribal leaders, academics and other experts in the field. Initial work on the study will begin in the new year and the NPS will begin outreach to tribes in the coming months.
“The Foundation is pleased to support this collaborative initiative between the National Park Service and tribes across the country. The study will contribute to a more complete understanding of our shared heritage, including the historical perspectives of the tribes central to this period of American history,” said Will Shafroth, President and CEO, National Park Foundation.
Previous studies from NPS and its partners have helped provide national historical context for specific topics in American history or prehistory. These studies inform the public about the nation’s heritage and provide a foundation to inform additional work by NPS or partners to preserve important and often under-told stories, such as the history associated with civil rights and labor movements.
THE National Register of Historic Places is the national inventory of properties considered to be at the heart of its history and worthy of recognition and preservation. It includes more than 98,000 entries, comprising more than 1.8 million individual buildings and sites representing people, places and events of local, state or national significance. Just over 2,600 of these properties are national historic landmarks, designated by the Secretary of the Interior as representing the highest level of national significance.
THE White House Tribal Nations Summit provides an opportunity for the Biden-Harris Administration and tribal leaders from the 574 federally recognized tribes to discuss ways the federal government can invest in and strengthen nation-to-nation relationships, as well as ensure that progress in Indian Country continue for years to come.
More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for more than 425 U.S. national parks and work with communities across the country to help preserve local history and create recreational opportunities close to home. Learn more about www.nps.govand on Facebook, Instagram, TwitterAnd Youtube.
