Tribal Historic Preservation Offices: The Front Line of Defense of Sovereignty

In just one month, we’ve seen the Trump administration unleash new attacks on our Tribal Sovereignty. The executive order on “unleashing American energy” allows the emergency approval of energy related projects without consideration of historic or cultural preservation of resources. It will likely expand the list of sites that are threatened by extractive mining. 

These executive orders will limit the ability of Tribal Historic Preservation Offices to protect and preserve cultural resources and sacred sites. 

These offices, commonly known as THPOs, were established under the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966. THPOs are responsible for representing Indigenous communities and protecting our landmarks and sacred sites. Because they consult with Federal agencies, they’re one of the strongest mechanisms for asserting our sovereignty within the current colonial system. There are over 200 THPOs across Turtle Island today.

At Honor the Earth, we’ve been meeting with THPOs from several tribes who have already expressed interest in educating their communities about the potential impact of extractive mining on Indigenous Lands. 

Some Tribes have told us that they struggle to get their communities fully engaged and educated about potential threats, specifically when it comes to mining on or near Native lands. We’ve learned in our conversations that community organizing is at the core of our struggle. We need strong networks in order to fight back.

We know this can work. We recently supported Hualupai THPO Ka-Voka Jackson in the Tribe’s fight against a lithium mine drilling near their sacred lands. In the fall, the Tribe won a preliminary injunction against exploratory drilling in a lawsuit against the Bureau of Land Management.

We encourage all Tribal members to contact your THPO to learn more about the specific threats facing your community. Get engaged with the office so that together, you can push back against threats to our sovereignty and Lands.

We have little faith in the US government to uphold its treaty relationships with Tribal nations, and we’re prepared for more attacks. We’ve already seen Mount Denali renamed to Mt. McKinley and other attacks on Indigenous Sovereignty.

Nevertheless, THPOs are still a critical tool in the ongoing defense of our sovereignty and fight for decolonization. We won’t back down.

The “First Hundred Days Watch” puts a spotlight on the effects the current administration is having on Indigenous Sovereignty and the Liberation Movement.  We’re ready and tracking everything from doubling-down on fossil fuels to the targeting of various groups of relatives. It will take every one of us. We’re calling on our community to help us deepen our work and come out stronger on the other side of this administration. Help us sustain our work.