"Partnering with the National Park Service: Ensuring Our Stories Transfer Accurately" September 25, 2012

Transcription

1 "Partnering with the National Park Service: Ensuring Our Stories Transfer Accurately" September 25, 2012 David Vela Regional Director, Southeast Region National Park Service Gerard Baker Retired Assistant Director, American Indian Relations National Park Service

2 The Secretary As stewards of our Nation s great history, the Department of the Interior will work to ensure that the story of all Americans is recognized as we continue on our quest for a more perfect union. Secretary Ken Salazar

3 The Director From Revolutionary War battlefields to sites commemorating the civil rights movement, the NPS not only has the places but a responsibility to tell these stories, to draw out the lessons they represent for present and future generations. Director Jon Jarvis

4 American Latino Heritage Initiative The Initiative consists of the following: White House Forum on American Latino Heritage The creation of an American Latino Theme Study New Latino themed National Historic Landmarks National Park Foundation American Latino Heritage Fund

5 American Latino Heritage Initiative On-line NPS American Latino Heritage Travel Itinerary American Latino Youth Summits NPS projects and initiatives within Latino themed parks NPS Hispanics and the Civil War products and initiatives American Latino Heritage Initiative Report and brochure

6 Hispanics and the Civil War More than 20,000 Hispanics fought in the Civil War: some for the Union and some for the Confederacy. Thousands of Hispanic civilians lent hearts and hands on the homefront. Latino students studying the Civil War can now find their heritage and stories in one of our Nation s most defining moments.

7 African Americans and the Civil War Through this publication, presentations, and events around the country, the NPS is making the story of slavery relevant to current generations. The theme of Civil War to Civil Rights is having a profound impact through our interpretive and educational materials and efforts.

8 American Indians and the Civil War More than 20,000 American Indians fought in the Civil War, and thousands of civilians were involved on the homefront. In a war that freed enslaved Africans, most American Indians were fighting to remain free in a land that was once theirs alone. The NPS is in the process of completing a publication that will capture their story.

9 A Witness to History Ely Samuel Parker was one of only two American Indians to earn a general's rank during the Civil War (the other being Stand Watie, who fought for the Confederacy). Parker was present when Confederate General Robert E. Lee surrendered at Appomattox Courthouse in April 1865, and helped draft the surrender documents. General Lee stated to Parker that "I am glad to see one real American here." Parker was said to respond, "We are all Americans, sir."

10 Woman Warrior When a soldier broke into her tent at Sand Creek, shot her mother, and then attacked her, a young Cheyenne woman named Mochi, grabbed her father s rifle and shot the soldier. After the vicious attack on her village and people, Mochi became a fierce warrior herself, accompanying the men into many battles.

11 American Indians and the Civil War The Publication The Aftermath of the Dakota Uprising Indian Territory During the Civil War Indian Territory After the War The Bear River Massacre Company K, 1 st Michigan Sharpshooters Sand Creek Massacre The Navajo Indians in Wisconsin and New York

12 American Heroes American Indian people have fought bravely in every conflict from the American Revolution, through WWII, to the current war in Afghanistan. Here, a soldier is welcomed home with honor from his tour of duty in Iraq, where he liberated a flag from the palace of Saddam Hussein.

13 Our Collective Challenge How do we make ourselves relevant to current and future generations? How do we engage our youth? What efforts and initiatives should be developed to inspire, promote, and pass on our nation s American Indian heritage? What stories have yet to be told?