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NATHPO STATEMENT ON RECENT CHANGES TO ACHP MEMBERSHIP
The National Association of Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (NATHPO) recently received notification that, in anticipation of new presidential appointments, several members have been removed from the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation (ACHP/Council), including Native American/Native Hawaiian member, Amelia Marchand.
Appointed in June 2024, Amelia, a citizen of the Confederated Tribes of the Colville Reservation, has been a steadfast advocate for Tribal Nations, Tribal Historic Preservation Officers (THPOs), and the Native Hawaiian community. She is widely recognized for her leadership in climate resiliency, cultural preservation, and community-based advocacy, consistently centering Indigenous Knowledges in federal and Tribal partnerships.
From NATHPO Board Chair Lakota Hobia (Citizen Potawatomi Nation), THPO for the Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians (Gun Lake Tribe):
"During her time on the Council, Amelia brought essential Indigenous perspectives to deliberations and embodied her role with dedication and clarity of purpose. We offer our sincere and heartfelt thanks for her invaluable service, steadfast commitment, vision, and contributions on behalf of Tribal Nations and Native Hawaiians, and we look forward to continuing to work alongside her in the preservation community for years to come. As a permanent member, NATHPO will work with the incoming Native American/Native Hawaiian member and with all members of the Council to advance policies that honor Tribal sovereignty, safeguard sacred places, and strengthen our shared commitment to preservation."
Background Information on ACHP and its Native American/Native Hawaiian Representative
The ACHP is an independent federal agency established by the National Historic Preservation Act. It is composed of 24 members, a mix of presidentially appointed and statutorily designated members, including representatives from federal agencies, preservation organizations (including NATHPO), state and local government, expert private citizens, and a Native American/Native Hawaiian representative. The Council meets several times a year to discuss policy and initiatives, oversee the federal historic preservation review process, and make recommendations to the President, Congress, and agency heads. A small professional staff based in Washington, DC, supports this work. Council decisions are made by majority vote, underscoring the importance of every seat at the table.
The Council’s Native American/Native Hawaiian member seat, alongside NATHPO’s own voting seat on the Council, ensures that Indigenous perspectives remain central to national preservation policy. While the seats are distinct, they are deeply complementary. The Native American/Native Hawaiian member embodies direct Tribal and Native Hawaiian representation, while NATHPO represents THPOs and the broader network of Tribal preservation leadership.
The Native American/Native Hawaiian member also leads the Tribal and Indigenous Peoples Committee of the ACHP, where NATHPO serves as Vice Chair. Together, these members help ensure that Tribal Nations and the Native Hawaiian community have a strong and influential voice in how historic and cultural resources are identified, consulted on, and protected nationwide. |
