Historic Preservation And Archaeology

Mission Statement
The Historic Preservation and Archaeology Department’s mission is to protect and preserve archaeological, historic, and sacred sites, and to educate the San Carlos Apache community about the importance of our heritage resources.
Goals
● To protect and conserve historic, archaeological, and sacred sites on the San Carlos Apache Reservation through education and compliance (conducting survey and interviews, writing reports, mapping, database management).
● To create an archive and library to house reports, photographs, artifacts, and literature of and about the Apache people.
● To work with Tribal and non-tribal entities to comply with Federal, State, and Tribal laws that protect Native American sacred sites, burial sites and traditional cultural places.
● To educate the community on the importance of protecting and managing diverse historic, archaeological, and sacred sites on the San Carlos Apache Reservation through the use of technology (i.e. GIS, GPS, database management, laboratory techniques, artifact dating tools).
● To establish a facility and staff to achieve the mission and goals stated above.

Accomplishments
● Developed a comprehensive database for all archaeological and cultural resource projects, and an archaeological permitting system for tribal and non-tribal use;
● Worked with the Elders’ Cultural Advisory Council on all issues related to cultural resources including traditional Apache history, medicine, language, archaeology, and Native American Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA);
● Coordinate with all departments, enterprises, federal agencies, and local businesses to discuss archaeological policies and ordinances and promote awareness of cultural resource compliance and consultation responsibilities;
● Established an inter-tribal cooperation agreement on all cultural resource projects conducted on Indian Lands between Arizona Indian tribes, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Inter-Tribal Council of Arizona;
● Assist in hosting and organizing potential working relations between those who live by traditional Native American perspective with those who practice the traditional Western scientific viewpoints
● Provide educational tours and presentations to Tribal community members, schools, employees, and tourists to promote awareness of important cultural resource laws and local historic and prehistoric cultures.