The National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (N.A.T.H.P.O.) held its 23rd Annual Conference from February 13th-17th, 2023, marking the first in-person conference since the COVID-19 pandemic began. Councilman/THPO David Weeden and N.A.G.P.R.A. Officer Jim Peters represented the Mashpee Wampanoag Tribe at the event, which provided a platform for Native American leaders to discuss critical issues surrounding historic preservation and protection.
The conference featured several informative sessions and engaging discussions on various topics, including updates on the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (N.A.G.P.R.A.) regulation, international repatriation caucus, National Register Bulletin 38 (Traditional Cultural Properties designations), and Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (A.C.H.P.) updates. Additionally, federal agencies joined in a dialogue with tribal leaders to discuss community building, protecting sacred sites, and funding for Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. The conference provided an opportunity for tribal leaders to exchange ideas and engage in healthy debates on pressing issues that impact tribal communities, reinforcing the importance of preserving and protecting Native American cultural heritage.
