Shelton, WA
THPO Records Room and Federal Lands Survey Project
We used Phase 1 funds to enhance our site records system by scanning current surveys, moving the records to a more stable environment, and using museum-quality equipment and materials to preserve our records permanently. We now have a new Records Room which meets standards for UV, humidity, and temperature control. Our most valuable confidential records are stored in museum-quality boxes and placed in a metal cabinet; audio and video are stored in our newly purchased safe. We were able to purchase a much-needed scanner, work station, and equipment. Our tribe’s most important confidential cultural records are now preserved and protected for generations to come.
Our Medicine Creek Treaty lands include federal lands managed by the Mount Rainier National Park and the Gifford Pinchot Forest Service. The Forest Service requested our assistance in conducting field site reviews to provide more comprehensive reporting. With Phase 1 support, we were able to assist the Forest Service archaeologist in conducting field surveys and visit our tribe’s sacred sites to do ground inspections and site reviews. In 2017, we were able to continue our inspections and site reviews with the Forest Service. At a Northwest InterTribal cultural meeting, several tribes requested that our Cultural Resources Department provide training to National Park Service and National Forest Service staff. We were able to train both federal agencies in 2017.
The Phase 1 grant helped create new, and enhance existing partnerships. We requested and received an assessment from Donna Hogerhuis the Muckleshoot Preservation Program’s Collection Specialist on secure records storage practices. We now have a better partnership with the Mount Rainier National Park Service staff and the Gifford Pinchot Forest Service. They have assured us they will watch for additional ancient cultural sites of importance to us. We plan to present our Records Room Project at the InterTribal Curation Gathering in November 2017.
Having a better working relationship with Gifford Pinchot Forest Service and Mount Rainier National Park Service staff was the goal of our tribal council and tribal members. To be able to participate with field surveys, visit sacred sites, and work with an agencies professional staff was extremely important to our tribe.
With tribal funding, we intend to continue working in the National Forest and Park. When science and cultural knowledge are combined, a greater, more comprehensive preservation system enriches everyone.
