The Federal Archeology Program operates in partnership with preservation officers for states and Tribes. These roles and responsibilities are authorized by the National Historic Preservation Act.
State Role in Federal Archeology
The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) and State Historic Preservation Offices are a vital part of the national historic preservation program and play a significant role in Federal archeology. The National Historic Preservation Act established a national preservation program as a partnership between the federal government and the states. The National Park Service and the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation engage in national policy development, coordination, and oversight. Each state appointed a SHPO to deliver national historic preservation services. One service is maintaining an inventory of potentially significant properties and advising Federal agencies on identification, evaluation, documentation of archeological properties.
The SHPO plays a key role in the consultation procedures between the Advisory Council and Federal agencies and assists the agencies in determining National Register eligibility and possible effects of their actions on such properties.
Tribe Role in Federal Archeology
The National Historic Preservation Act as amended in 1992 directs the Secretary of the Interior to establish a National Tribal Preservation Program. Administered by the National Park Service (NPS), the program works with Indian tribes, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and national organizations to preserve and protect resources and traditions of importance to Native Americans by strengthening their capabilities for operating sustainable preservation programs.
Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs) are officially designated by a federally-recognized Indian tribe to run their THPO program. THPOs have the responsibilities of State Historic Preservation Officers, but on tribal lands. The THPO must have assumed some or all of the functions of State Historic Preservation Officers on Tribal lands. They advise and work with federal agencies on the management of tribal historic properties. THPOs also preserve and rejuvenate the unique cultural traditions and practices of their tribal communities.
Before a Tribe may assume the functions of a State Historic Preservation Officer, the National Historic Preservation Act requires Tribes to submit a formal plan to the National Park Service describing how the proposed Tribal Historic Preservation Officer functions will be carried out.
The tribal line item of the Historic Preservation Fund supports two grants programs: Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPO) and the Tribal Heritage Grants. These two grant programs provide much needed assistance to Native American communities interested in protecting their cultural heritage.
- Tribal Historic Preservation Program, National Park Service
- National Association of Tribal Preservation Officers
Last updated: May 10, 2021