News Release

Superintendent Selected at Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site

Date: August 20, 2020
Contact: Neal Bedlan, [phone]
Contact: Darian Kath, [phone] ext. 1201

Alisha Deegan Selected as Superintendent
of Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site

Omaha, Neb. – National Park Service (NPS) Regional Director Bert Frost announced the selection of Alisha Deegan as the new superintendent of Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site located in Stanton, North Dakota. Deegan has been serving as the park’s acting superintendent since June 6 and her new assignment will begin Sept. 27, 2020.

“I am pleased to welcome Alisha as superintendent of Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site,” said Frost. “Her broad understanding of park operations and cultural resource management will be a great asset for the park. Her tribal connection to the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation will provide opportunities to share resources and develop partnerships that will benefit current and future generations.”

“Knife River Indian Village National Historic Site is an extremely important site, preserving three of the few remaining historic village sites of my people,” said Deegan. “Working and living in my ancestral homeland is both an honor and humbling. I look forward to working with partners, volunteers and staff to ensure the continued protection education, and use of this sacred site.”

Since 2016, Deegan has been the Interpretation and Cultural Resource Program Manager at the park. She began her career with the NPS in 2005 and has served as a Facility Operations Specialist at Mount Rushmore National Memorial.

Deegan earned an undergraduate degree in Parks and Recreation from the University of North Dakota. She is a 2011 graduate of the Facility Manager Leaders Program. She also holds a certificate in Cultural Heritage Tourism from George Washington University.

Deegan is a member of the Mandan, Hidatsa, and Arikara Nation. Originally from Parshall, North Dakota, she and her husband Justin have four kids, Mikaya, Samiah, Fannie, and Eagle Spirit, and a dog, Mint. She enjoys camping and drawing.