Working with Tribal Members to Interpret Native American Themes in the National Park Service

transcript

Interpreting Native American Connections in National ParksFive case studies

Moderated by Mary Lou Herlihy, NPS Pacific West Regional Office

Johnpaul Jones, FAIAJones + Jones

Johnpaul Jones, FAIAJohnpaul Jones, FAIA

Indigenous Design: Emerging GiftsIndigenous Design: Emerging Gifts

There is no place without a story.There is no place without a story.

Spirit WorldSpirit World Human WorldHuman World

Natural WorldNatural World Animal WorldAnimal World

National Museum of the American IndianNational Museum of the American Indian

Southern Ute Cultural Center & MuseumSouthern Ute Cultural Center & Museum

Vancouver Land BridgeVancouver Land Bridge

Evergreen State College Longhouse Education and Cultural CenterEvergreen State College Longhouse Education and Cultural Center

Northwest Native Canoe CenterNorthwest Native Canoe Center

Agua Caliente Cultural MuseumAgua Caliente Cultural Museum

Johnpaul Jones, FAIAJones + Jones

Julie Sayigh EDX: Edquist Davis Exhibits

Project: Fort Bowie National Historic Site Long-Range Interpretive Plan

Fort Bowie National Historic SiteFort Bowie National Historic Site

Long – Range Interpretive PlanLong – Range Interpretive Plan

Looking critically at consultation

Long-distance travel

P R O C E S S

P R O C E S S Informal meetings, free-form discussion

Walking the siteP R O C E S S

Visit to Apache SpringVisit to Apache Spring

One-sided interpretation may omit information…

One-sided interpretation can reinforce stereotypes.

Authentic voices can reinforce acontinuity of culture.

“…every time I come here I sit and find [Cochise’s] spirit.”“…every time I come here I sit and find [Cochise’s] spirit.”

Old interpretive theme:

The clash of cultures between Chiricahua Apaches and Americans resulted in expanded opportunities for American entrepreneurs at the expense of the Chiricahua Apaches, who lost their homeland.

R E S U L T S

The clash of cultures between Chiricahua Apaches and Americans resulted in expanded opportunities for American entrepreneurs at the expense of the Chiricahua Apaches, who lost their homeland.

New interpretive theme:

The protracted conflict that pitted the US army’s intent to gain control over the area against the Chiricahua Apache people’s desire to retain their homeland escalated at Apache pass, continued with the capitulation of the Chiricahua Apache in Skeleton Canyon, and is echoed today in the form of multiple perspectives that paint a complex picture of these events.

R E S U L T S

The proximity of Apache Pass to Apache Spring gave rise to an environment conducive to many important historic events that continue to affect the destinies of those living in southeast Arizona and beyond.

R E S U L T S

The proximity of Apache Pass to Apache Spring gave rise to an environment conducive to many important historic events that continue to affect the destinies of those living in southeast Arizona and beyond.

New interpretive theme:

Apache Spring represents the life-giving qualities of water in the harsh, arid deserts of the American West. Drawing prehistoric indigenous people and later the Chiricahua Apache people, the U.S. Army, Euro-American settlers, and those traveling on trade routes, the spring endures as a place where cultures met and conflict arose, altering lives and destinies.

R E S U L T S

From the report appendix:

Stereotyped as “brutal and warlike”, Apache representatives expressed that while proud of the historic prowess of their people, they view their warlike nature as an outgrowth of the skills needed to survive in a harsh land…

R E S U L T S

From the report appendix:

Stereotyped as “brutal and warlike”, Apache representatives expressed that while proud of the historic prowess of their people, they view their warlike nature as an outgrowth of the skills needed to survive in a harsh land… Response by a park staff member: “This overlooks what early anthropologists refer to as the “Novice Complex” where Apache youth were rigorously trained in warfare…”

R E S U L T S

A process tailored to the stakeholders can yield better results and build stronger relationships.

L E S S O N S L E A R N E D

Rewriting history may not be possible. But acknowledging multiple truths about history is essential.

A multi-perspective story provides a richer experience of history for all visitors, promoting inquiry and involvement.

Mark WagnerGlacier National Park

Project: St. Mary Visitor Center Exhibits

Charles Davis, AIAEDX: Edquist Davis Exhibits

Project: At the Confluence Fort Spokane Interpretive Exhibits

Linus: That cloud looks like the profile of Thomas Eakins,

the famous painter and sculptor . . . And over there

gives me the impression of the Stoning of Stephen .

. . There’s the Apostle Paul standing to one side . . .

Charlie Brown: I was going to say I saw a duckie and a

horsie but I’ve changed my mind . . .

Fort SpokaneLake Roosevelt National Recreation Area

Fort Spokane: 1880-1898

FORT SPOKANE INDIAN BOARDING SCHOOL: 1900-1907

Lessons Learned:

Design/consultation process:

• contributes to cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

• can catalyze discussion and awareness within the tribe.

Lessons Learned:

Design/consultation process:

• contributes to cross-cultural dialogue and understanding.

• can catalyze discussion and awareness within the tribe.

• can provide opportunity for cultural pride and healing.

• supports tribal artisans and the local economy.

My ancestors suffered from

here to here in order to be

where we are today—

educated, able to sit

down as equals,

at this table,

and be heard.

Tim Brookes, Colville

Confederated Tribes Charles Davis, AIAEDX: Edquist Davis Exhibits

Marc K. Blackburn, PhD.Nez Perce National Historical Park

Project: Big Hole National Battlefield Visitor Center

Revisiting the PastExhibit Replacement at Big Hole National Battlefield

The Place: Nez Perce National Historical Park

The Park: Big Hole National Battlefield

The Process: Scoping

The Process: Engaging Our Partners

Out with the old

And in with the new

The Gift

The Challenge: Objects with no context

The Challenge: Misused Space

The Results: Compelling and smart exhibit plan

New airlock

Unobstructed View of battlefield

Repurposed exhibit room – now theater AND objects

The Results: Inviting Lobby

The Results: ADA Accessible Map

The Results: The Voices of the Nimiipuu

The Results: Objects in Context

The Results: Direct Visual Connection With Resource

The Results: Relevance, Relevance, Relevance

Making Connections . . . . .

[April 2012] K. :

"While I have sympathy for the Native Americans who suffered, much of what is put forth here is inaccurate.

Most of the bands slated as having strong, amicable relationships were at constant odds with each other. They were poorly led and their own hierarchy left much to be desired. Few had much, most were destitute diseased and often starving. They were not peaceful in nature, stealing, killing, kidnapping were all part of their culture.

This display is lovey, but mush, much too one sided. History is not changed by wishful thinking."

Making Connections . . . . . Joe from Helena:

"I am disturbed by the critical entry on April 2012. To refer to what is shared here as "mush" is a sad commentary on what happened here.

The "stealing, killing, and kidnapping" the writer refers to as part of white American culture at that time. In fact stealing and killing were clearly displayed in the breaking of the 1863 treaty and in a brutal attack on a sleeping village. No culture or society is perfect in the way lives are lived and actions carried out. But the onslaught of the dominant white invaders, beginning with the Vikings and in some forms continue to this day, is at least addressed honestly here and a balance is achieved.

Am I—a white male—responsible for what happened here? No. But I am responsible for understanding what happened here and its significance. And I am responsible for applying what I learn to my own life."

E X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C AE X P E R I E N C E Y O U R A M E R I C A

Success

• Collaboration with Tribal Partners driving the narrative.

• Using partners’ subject matter expertise to drive content creation.

• Having the courage to tell the truth and make a strong emotional statement.

• Making planning process inclusive and transparent.

Lessons

• Get thematic consensus as early as possible.

• Include ALL stakeholders, not just Tribal Partners.

• For project continuity, try to get the same participants

at each meeting.

• Select the right contractors and keep an open

line of communication.

• BE PATIENT.

Dena from Long Beach, California:

"May we never forget the love Chief Joseph had for his people.

May we learn that conflict is not the answer. Let us understand what the Native Americans understood about our land, earth and animals that live with us. Thank you for telling the story.

Draw it to your heart and share with the young and not born- we must never forget the pain that was felt on this hallowed ground."

Working with Tribal Members to Interpret Native American Themes in the National Park Service

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