Tribal historic preservation offices

Definition

Tribal historic preservation offices (THPOs) are entities established by Native American tribes to protect and preserve their cultural and historical resources. These offices play a crucial role in managing tribal heritage by coordinating preservation efforts, conducting research, and ensuring compliance with federal laws that govern cultural resource management, thereby asserting tribal sovereignty in the face of external pressures.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. THPOs were established in the early 1990s as part of a movement to empower tribes to take charge of their own cultural resource management.
2. These offices are responsible for conducting surveys of tribal lands to identify significant cultural and historical sites that need protection.
3. THPOs work closely with federal agencies to ensure compliance with laws like the National Historic Preservation Act and Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act.
4. By asserting control over their cultural resources, THPOs enhance tribal sovereignty and promote the preservation of indigenous heritage for future generations.
5. Funding for THPOs often comes from federal grants, which help support their operational activities, including training tribal members in preservation practices.

Review Questions

• How do tribal historic preservation offices contribute to the assertion of tribal sovereignty?
  • Tribal historic preservation offices play a vital role in asserting tribal sovereignty by empowering tribes to take control over their cultural resources. By managing their own historical preservation efforts, tribes can protect significant sites from external influences and decisions made by non-tribal entities. This self-determination helps ensure that cultural practices, traditions, and histories are preserved according to the tribe's values and priorities.
• Discuss the relationship between tribal historic preservation offices and the National Historic Preservation Act.
  • Tribal historic preservation offices were created partly in response to the National Historic Preservation Act, which sets guidelines for preserving historic sites across the United States. Under this act, tribes are recognized as key stakeholders in preserving their own heritage. THPOs help implement these federal guidelines on tribal lands while also advocating for the unique needs and rights of tribes regarding cultural resource management.
• Evaluate the impact of tribal historic preservation offices on community identity and cultural continuity among Native American tribes.
  • Tribal historic preservation offices have a profound impact on community identity and cultural continuity by ensuring that tribal histories and traditions are actively preserved and transmitted through generations. By managing archaeological sites and historical places, THPOs foster a sense of belonging and pride within tribal communities. The work of these offices not only safeguards physical heritage but also reinforces cultural practices, thus strengthening the collective identity of tribes in an ever-changing world.

Related terms

National Historic Preservation Act: A U.S. law enacted in 1966 that aims to preserve historical and archaeological sites, establishing a framework for federal involvement in historic preservation.

Cultural Resources Management: The practice of managing and protecting cultural heritage sites and resources, including archaeological sites, historic buildings, and cultural landscapes.

Tribal Sovereignty: The inherent authority of indigenous tribes to govern themselves within their own territories, including making decisions about cultural and natural resource management.