Interpretation as Ceremony: American Indian Park Rangers - Telling Our Own Stories, Protecting Cultural Resources in an Era of Military Preference

Using an indigenous design and methodology, this thesis seeks to identify and convey how an ""Indigenous Interpretation"" of cultural resource issues can enhance the experience of visitors to National Parks, especially parks related to American Indian history and culture. Explored are preconceived ideas and misunderstandings as well as desires held by park rangers and visitors of color; an area of concern for the National Park Service when the ""minority"" becomes the majority in this country. Also explored, National Park policies that impact American Indian park rangers, such as military preference in hiring. In considering an ""Indian/Indigenous Interpretation,"" this thesis attempts to provide a strategy for better utilization and protection of our Nations Parks. Through the sharing and sacrifice of storytelling, interpretation can be ceremony, and through ceremony healing can take place.Thesis (M.A., Anthropology) -- University of Idaho, 201