Picture Caption: The photograph above features Paiute women cleaning kiya (pine cones) in preparation for the tuba nuga (pinenut dance). This is a thanksgiving celebration of food and life. From left to right: Charlene Bowman, Dolly Manuelito, Kinsinta Joseph, and Angie Lewis. Photograph courtesy of the Bishop Paiute Tribal Historic Preservation Office.
The National Park Service (NPS) works with with Indian Tribes, Alaska Natives, Native Hawaiians, and national organizations to preserve and protect resources and traditions that are of importance to Native Americans. The NPS Tribal Historic Preservation Program (THPP) reviews and approves applications from federally recognized Tribes to establish Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) under Section 101 of the National Historic Preservation Act. On behalf of the Act, NPS enters into Memoranda of Agreements with the tribes who apply. Tribes submit annual reports of their accomplishments. Also, these tribes may choose to apply for funding through the office of State, Tribal, Local Plans and Grants.