John S. McCain III
National Center for Environmental Conflict Resolution

Project Case Summary

FHWA-ACHP Tribal Consultation Section 106 Training
September 2007

Location: Warwick, RI

Background

Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act requires federal agencies to consult with Tribes when any federal action may affect historic and cultural resources. The Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP) partnered with the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) to train FHWA and State Department of Transportation (DOT) staff on consulting with Tribes during transportation planning and project development.

These trainings bring tribal participants and DOT staff together to talk about the basics of the regulations, share tribal historic preservation values and objectives, and exchange ideas about how to make the consultation process more meaningful. The U.S. Institute was asked to support the training for the New England Area by assisting in planning, facilitating the collaborative discussion, and providing information on Institute resources that can help facilitate dialogue in the future.

Results and Accomplishments

  • Participants engaged in a 2 1/2 day training that included presentations from Tribal Historic Preservation Officers on the history of tribes in the New England Area.
  • Interactive discussion was able to take place in an open and inviting format.
  • A "rough cut" film of Hidden Landscapes: Memory, Myth and Archaeology in the Construction of the Story of Early Native American History in the Far Northeast was shown that powerfully affected the learning experience. The filmmaker, Ted Timreck, attended the workshop and engaged in the open discussion. The film Stories in Stones that looks at the Narragansett wall building tradition from multiple perspectives was also shown for further understanding of ancient stone structures.

Highlights

As a result of the training the participants learned the "importance of consultation with Native American tribes and the value they place on their traditions and history and the "continuance" of that history."

Participants also felt they gained a "better understanding of tribal expectations and needs for consultation."

As a result of the training participants will initiate changes such as "making departments more aware of the necessity of early contract with tribes to facilitate a more timely process."

Credits

Partner from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation: Valerie Hauser, Native Program Coordinator

Partner from the Federal Highways Administration: MaryAnn Naber, Federal Preservation Officer

Presenters:
John Brown, Medicine Man in training, tribal councilman, THPO, Narragansett Indian Tribe
Doug Harris, Deputy THPO, Narragansett Indian Tribe
Cheryl Andrews-Maltais, THPO Wampanoag Tribe of Gay Head (Aquinnah)
Bonnie Newsom, THPO Penobscot Nation

Filmmaker: Ted Timreck, Spofford Films Inc.

U.S. Institute Project Lead: Sarah Palmer, Senior Program Manager
U.S. Institute for Environmental Conflict Resolution
Telephone: 520.901.8556 Email: palmer@ecr.gov



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