The 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 on 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 in meeting 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 the personnel in which to meet the mission and goals stated above
Accomplishments
● Development of a comprehensive database for all archaeological and cultural resource projects, also developed an archaeological permitting system for tribal and non-tribal use;
● Working in conjunction with Elder’s Cultural Advisory Council on all issues related to cultural resources which includes traditional Apache history, medicine, language, archaeology, and Native American Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA);
● Meeting with all departments, enterprises, federal agencies, and local businesses to discuss archaeological policies and ordinances and to promote an awareness for 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 presentation to Tribal community members, schools, employees, and tourist to promote awareness on important cultural resource laws and local historic and prehistoric cultures.
Issues that hinder successful implementation of our goals are the looting of sites, lack of funding for the program, and the shortage of personnel. Despite the issues, the Archaeology Department continues to build upon its successes.

Archeology
Mile Marker 272
Highway #70
Peridot, AZ 85542
Phone (928) 475-5797
Mailing Address
PO Box 0

San Carlos, AZ 85550