Tribal Historic Preservation Office

Tribal Historic Preservation Office

The Tribal Historic Preservation Officer is administered jointly through direct Tribal resources and a federal program within the National Park Service to assist Indigenous Tribes in preserving history and culture. Responsibilities of the THPO include identifying and preserving historic properties and cultural traditions of the NHBP and directing a Native American Graves and Protection Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) program.

In addition, NHBP’s THPO ensures the enforcement of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) for any federally funded or permitted activity within the Ancestral territory and areas of interest of the NHBP. The NHPA requires the THPO to review relevant activities to ensure safeguards are in place to preserve Potawatomi cultural, historical, and archaeological resources from loss or damage. Other duties include developing and maintaining a Tribal Historic Preservation Plan that provides record-keeping, site mapping, and identification and documentation of Traditional Cultural Properties. The THPO also coordinates with the Environmental Department on NHPA cases that require Section 106 reviews, Environmental Assessments and Environmental Impact Assessments under the National Environmental Policy Act.

A vital function of the THPO is to assist the Tribe with cases involving NAGPRA. Through the NAGPRA, the THPO consults with universities, museums, private individuals, and local, state, federal and Tribal agencies that may affect historic properties. The act also enables the THPO to secure and return historical artifacts and Ancestral Human Remains (Fallen Warriors) to the Tribe, allowing the Tribe to reinter our Fallen Warriors to Mother Earth. The THPO office also works to recover artifacts and Fallen Warriors not covered under NAGPRA.