Another Indian Country organization undergoes change

Wednesday, October 17, 2018  

The National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO) is searching for a new leader following the departure of its long-serving president.

Bambi Kraus, who is Tlingit from Alaska, served as president of the organization for the last 19 years. She recently joined the Federal Emergency Management Agency as its National Tribal Affairs Advisor.

"We are sorry to see Bambi go, but wish her the best of luck in her new position," Shasta C. Gaughen, the chair of NATHPO's board of directors, said in an October 8 message to members.

Gaughen said the board will be " conducting a nationwide search" for a replacement. In the meantime, Melinda Young, the tribal historic preservation officer for the Lac du Flambeau Band of Lake Superior Chippewa Indians, will be serving as interim executive director through the end of the year.

"We are living in uncertain political times, and it is more important than ever for us to advocate for the needs and interests of the tribal communities we serve as THPOs, Tribal leaders, tribal members, and preservation professionals. NATHPO’s mission is strengthened by our common cause," said Gaughen, who serves as the tribal historic preservation officer for the Pala Band of Mission Indians.

NATHPO recently concluded its National Tribal Preservation Conference, which was hosted in Washington state by the Suquamish Tribe. Major issues included repatriation of tribal ancestors and cultural items, protections for sacred places and recent actions at the Federal Communications Commission that tribes say threaten their rights.

NATHPO isn't the only Indian Country organization undergoing change. The National Congress of American Indians recently ousted its long-serving senior attorney and hired a new deputy director.

NCAI's new deputy previously served as the executive director for National Indian Education Association. That organization's board of directors recently voted to most most of their operations to Minnesota.

NATHPO, NCAI and NIEA are all presently based in Washington, D.C. NIEA will keep its legislative function in the nation's capital.

Indianz.Com and NATHPO recently submitted a joint Freedom of Information Act request to the FCC, seeking documents related to telecommunications towers and their impacts on historic sites and cultural resources. The FCC has not yet turned over any information.