National Parks & Their Beginnings as Indigenous Land
By Jack Ripley | April 3, 2024
Everglades National Park
We're on a journey through some of America's most cherished natural wonders, where the beauty of the land intertwines with the rich heritage of Indigenous peoples. As we venture into iconic national parks like Yosemite and the Everglades, we uncover stories that transcend time—tales of Indigenous communities who have nurtured and revered these lands for generations. Join us as we delve into the cultural tapestry woven into the landscapes, from ancient dwellings in the redwood forests to resilient communities in the Everglades. Each park offers a glimpse into the enduring bond between people and place, inviting us to honor the past, celebrate the present, and safeguard the future of these sacred lands. Let's embark on this enlightening journey together, embracing the wisdom and spirit of those who have cherished these landscapes for millennia.
Everglades National Park, a sprawling expanse of wetlands in southern Florida, stands as a testament to both natural wonder and cultural heritage. This unique ecosystem, shaped by the slow flow of water from Lake Okeechobee to the Gulf of Mexico, has been home to Indigenous peoples for thousands of years. The Miccosukee and Seminole tribes, among others, have long inhabited these lands, relying on its rich resources for sustenance and spiritual nourishment. Despite facing challenges from colonization and development, the descendants of these Indigenous communities continue to honor their ancestral ties to the Everglades, preserving their cultural traditions and stewarding the land for future generations. Today, as visitors explore this remarkable wilderness, they are invited to not only marvel at its natural beauty but also to reflect on the enduring legacy of the Indigenous peoples who have called the Everglades home for countless generations.
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore
https://www.nps.gov/apis/learn/historyculture/home-of-the-ojibwe.htm
The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore, found on Lake Superior's pristine waters, is not only a haven for natural beauty but also holds deep cultural significance as the ancestral home of the Ojibwe people. For centuries, the Ojibwe traversed these lands freely, their lives intertwined with the rhythms of the islands' rugged terrain and abundant resources. However, in the 1800s, their way of life was irrevocably altered as the United States government negotiated treaties that confined the Ojibwe to reservations, limiting their traditional hunting and gathering grounds and ushering in a period of hardship and struggle. The creation of the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in 1970 further impacted the area, affecting both its natural splendor and cultural heritage. Yet, amidst these changes, the National Park Service has taken steps to preserve and restore the land, working alongside the Ojibwe and other stakeholders to safeguard the legacy of this cherished landscape for future generations.
Redwood National Park
https://stem.hcoe.net/redwoods/websearch/native-americans/
Redwood National Park, spanning the awe-inspiring landscapes of northern California, stands as a testament to the enduring heritage of numerous Indigenous and Native American tribes, notably including the Yurok people. These tribes, deeply connected to the land, crafted their homes from the fallen giants of the forest, respecting the sacred bond between nature and humanity. Despite the influx of outsiders during the California gold rush of the 1850s, which led to the displacement of Native communities, their descendants persist in the surrounding areas, preserving their ancestral languages and cultural traditions. Today, the echoes of ancient ways of life resonate through the redwood groves, reminding visitors of the profound legacy of the Indigenous peoples who have called this land home since time immemorial.
Alcatraz Island and the Ohlone
Photo by Ralph Crane/The LIFE Picture Collection via Getty Images
Alcatraz Island holds a profound history dating back over 20,000 years when Indigenous peoples utilized its shores for camping, food gathering, and seclusion. Among these early inhabitants were the Ohlone, who thrived in the coastal regions from San Francisco Bay to Point Sur. However, their existence was dramatically altered with the arrival of European colonizers in the 16th century, leading to the incorporation of many Ohlone into Mission San Francisco de Asis and the devastating loss of about 80 percent of their population due to disease and harsh conditions. Fast-forward to November 1969, Alcatraz became a focal point for Indigenous activism when members of the Indians of All Tribes, Inc. occupied the island, aiming to reclaim their ancestral space. This occupation, drawing national attention, symbolized a demand for justice and recognition of Indigenous rights. Messages of peace and freedom adorned the island's landscape as activists envisioned a cultural and educational center. Despite the eventual forcible removal of the Occupiers by federal marshals in June 1971, the Alcatraz occupation remains a pivotal moment in the ongoing struggle for Indigenous sovereignty and cultural preservation.
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve
Glacier Bay National Park & Preserve bears witness to millennia of human history, from encounters noted by Lieutenant Joseph Whidbey in 1794 to evidence of habitation dating back over 9,000 years. Today, the Huna Tlingit, descendants of the region's Indigenous inhabitants, maintain a strong connection to their ancestral lands. Collaborating with the park, they revive cultural practices such as gull egg harvesting and construct the Huna Tribal House, a vital center for cultural preservation and education. In a significant partnership, a 150-acre cultural site was added to the park in February 2020, managed jointly with the Hoonah Indian Association, providing opportunities for traditional cultural activities alongside public access for recreation. This blend of conservation and cultural revitalization underscores the park's commitment to honoring both its ecological heritage and its Indigenous stewards.
Katmai National Park and Preserve
Katmai National Park and Preserve, nestled in southwest Alaska, holds a deep connection to its Indigenous inhabitants, predominantly of Alutiq descent, who have relied on its lands for sustenance and resources for countless generations. Salmon, a cornerstone of their diet, remains vital to their subsistence lifestyle, with many actively engaged in traditional practices and participating in park management through Alaska Native organizations. The landscape's history is marked by the cataclysmic 1912 Novarupta-Katmai volcanic eruption, which led to the abandonment of four year-round villages and subsequent resettlement elsewhere on the Alaska Peninsula due to heavy volcanic ashfall. Yet, the area's human presence extends back millennia, with archaeological evidence revealing precontact settlements and a rich cultural heritage dating over 7,000 years in places like Amalik Bay. Through accounts of eyewitnesses and archaeological discoveries, the enduring ties between Katmai's Indigenous communities and its landscapes are woven into the fabric of the park's history, shaping its identity as a place of both natural wonder and cultural significance.
Navajo National Monument
David Wallace/The Republic
Navajo National Monument, located in northern Arizona, serves as a poignant testament to the ancient civilizations of the Southwest, particularly the ancestral Puebloan people known as the Ancestral Puebloans or Anasazi. The monument encompasses three well-preserved cliff dwellings: Betatakin, Keet Seel, and Inscription House. These remarkable structures, built into sandstone alcoves, offer a glimpse into the lives of the Ancestral Puebloans who inhabited the region over 700 years ago. The dwellings, constructed with remarkable skill and ingenuity, speak to the resourcefulness and resilience of these early inhabitants. Today, visitors to Navajo National Monument can explore these archaeological treasures, marveling at the intricate stone masonry and pondering the mysteries of the past while surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Arizona landscape.
Yosemite National Park
“Ma-ha-la of the Yosemite Band,” photographed by George Fiske, circa 1885. Via the California State Library.
Yosemite National Park holds a profound legacy as the ancestral homeland of the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, one of the original tribes of the region. For millennia, Native Americans have thrived in Yosemite Valley, their presence evidenced by archaeological findings dating back 5,500 years. This majestic landscape not only provided sustenance but also offered sanctuary, shielding Indigenous peoples from outside intrusions for centuries. However, the tumultuous era of the California Gold Rush brought about violent dispossession and economic hardships for the Southern Sierra Miwuk Nation, forever altering their way of life. Despite these challenges, many descendants of the Southern Sierra Miwuk still call Yosemite Mariposa County home, preserving their heritage and cultural traditions deeply rooted in this extraordinary land. Today, elements of Native American life endure, serving as a testament to their resilience and enduring connection to Yosemite's timeless beauty.
Lassen Volcanic National Park
https://www.nps.gov/lavo/learn/historyculture/people.htm
Lassen Volcanic National Park, characterized by its rugged peaks and geothermal wonders, narrates a tale of both geological upheaval and human resilience. Indigenous groups such as the Atsugewi, Yana, Yahi, and Maidu once camped amid its diverse landscapes, leaving behind artifacts that speak to their rich cultural heritage, now showcased in the Loomis Museum. Present-day descendants of these tribes serve as invaluable partners, offering insights into both historical traditions and contemporary tribal cultures. Among them was Selena LaMarr, or "Boonie," the park's first female naturalist and member of the Atsugewi tribe, whose cultural demonstrations captivated visitors for two decades. Today, visitors can explore this dynamic terrain year-round, whether backpacking in summer, fishing in fall, or joining ranger-led snowshoe tours in spring and winter, immersing themselves in the timeless beauty and enduring spirit of Lassen Volcanic National Park.
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site
https://www.ndtourism.com/stanton/attractions-entertainment/family-fun/knife-river-indian-villages-national-historic-site
Knife River Indian Villages National Historic Site in North Dakota encapsulates over 11,000 years of rich history and culture, with a particular focus on the Hidatsa people and their earthlodge villages, inhabited for nearly 500 years. Alongside the Mandan and Arikara communities, they pioneered agriculture on the Northern Plains, attracting a diverse array of tribes, traders, and explorers to the region. However, the arrival of foreign visitors also brought devastating diseases that reshaped the communities and cultures of the area. Visitors can explore the remnants of these historic villages, including reconstructed earthlodges and a museum displaying artifacts from village life. Among the stories told is that of Sacagawea, the Lemhi Shoshone woman who played a pivotal role in the Lewis and Clark expedition. Through these narratives, the site offers a window into the vibrant past of the Knife River region and the enduring legacy of its Indigenous inhabitants.
Natchez Trace Parkway
Located just 10 miles northeast of Natchez, Mississippi, the Natchez Trace Parkway unveils a significant relic of ancient Native American culture: Emerald Mound, the second-largest Mississippian period ceremonial mound in the United States. Constructed between 1200-1730 A.D. by the Mississippians, Emerald Mound spans eight acres, with heights reaching up to 60 feet, featuring two secondary mounds atop a primary one. Serving as a site for ceremonial activities, this flat-topped marvel continues to intrigue visitors, offering glimpses into the rich heritage of its builders. Descendants of the Mississippians, including the Chickasaw Nation and the Choctaw, cherish these mounds as enduring testaments to their ancestral legacy. Today, visitors to the Natchez Trace Parkway can explore Emerald Mound and six other mound groups, immersing themselves in the history and cultural significance of these ancient structures. A designated trail allows adventurers to ascend to the mound's summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscape and fostering a deeper connection to the land's storied past.
Tumacácori National Historical Park
https://www.visitarizona.com/places/parks-monuments/tumacacori-national-historical-park/
Found in the picturesque Santa Cruz River valley, Tumacácori National Historical Park is a sanctuary of cultural heritage, preserving narratives of Spanish colonialists and Indigenous peoples alike. Among these are the agrarian Sobaipuri, a branch of the O’odham, who cultivated the fertile lands along the Santa Cruz and San Pedro rivers, while the Yoeme (Yaqui) recognized opportunities within the Mission system brought by the Spanish arrival. The Apache people, descendants of Athabaskan migrants, navigated a complex relationship with the missions, often resorting to raids amid their nomadic lifestyle. Today, descendants of the Sobaipuri contribute to the rich tapestry of the O’odham community, their oral histories serving as invaluable resources for expanding the park's storytelling. With the support of the National Park Foundation, ongoing research delves into the intersection of Indigenous women and the Mission system, culminating in a new guided walking tour that intertwines archaeological findings with oral traditions, enriching the park's immersive experience.
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park
Courtesy of Lyman Museum, the Walker Collection, E.N. Hitchcock
Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park stands as a testament to the deep-rooted cultural and natural history of the Hawaiian Islands. The first settlers, Polynesians from the Marquesas Islands, arrived in Hawaiʻi around 1000 to 1200 AD, showcasing remarkable navigation skills as they traversed 2,400 miles of open ocean in double-hulled canoes. Bringing essential resources like pigs, dogs, and plants, they established a vibrant community rich in agriculture and spiritual traditions. This period of isolation fostered the development of a unique Hawaiian culture characterized by fishing, farming, and rituals honoring akua (gods). However, the arrival of Captain James Cook in 1778 marked a significant turning point, introducing Hawai'i to the wider world and forever altering its cultural landscape. Today, Hawai'i Volcanoes National Park preserves not only the geological wonders of its volcanic terrain but also the rich tapestry of human history and tradition that has shaped these islands for centuries.
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve
https://www.nps.gov/bela/learn/historyculture/bering-land-bridge.htm
Bering Land Bridge National Preserve stands as a remote and remarkable testament to the ancient connection between continents. This unique park safeguards a small fragment of the vast grassland that once bridged Asia and North America during the last Ice Age, fostering the movement of plants, animals, and people across vast distances. Today, the preserve is adorned with prehistoric artwork depicting iconic creatures like woolly mammoths and steppe bison, offering glimpses into the rich tapestry of life that once thrived here. While the physical land bridge may have been submerged millennia ago, the cultural ties of the Indigenous communities of the Seward Peninsula endure, rooted in the traditions of their ancestors who traversed these lands from Siberia. Despite the profound impacts of commercial activities like whaling and mining, Alaska Native groups have persevered, working diligently to preserve their cultural heritage and traditional way of life. Through the protection of resources within Bering Land Bridge National Preserve, these communities continue to thrive, honoring their ancestral connections and sharing the importance of Alaska Native heritage with the world.
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore
https://www.nps.gov/slbe/planyourvisit/sbdnl-50th-anniversary.htm
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, named after the Anishinaabek legend of the Sleeping Bear mother, holds a history dating back to the Paleo-Indian period, around 11,000 B.C., when hunters traversed its shores following retreating glaciers. Evidence from the Archaic period reveals extensive social and trading networks, while Woodland pottery suggests a nomadic lifestyle, using the land for seasonal hunting and fishing. Today, the park collaborates with Anishinaabek partners to enrich the storytelling of the area's landscapes and its people, offering visitors a chance to explore these narratives through interpretive programs, scenic trails, and recreational activities, fostering a deeper appreciation for the land's enduring heritage.
Casa Grande Ruins National Monument
https://www.trevorhuxham.com/2019/12/casa-grande-ruins-national-monument.html
Nestled in the Arizona desert, Casa Grande Ruins National Monument stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the ancestral Sonoran Desert people, who inhabited the area for centuries. The monument, the nation's first archaeological preserve, preserves the iconic Casa Grande, built in the 1300s and abandoned around 1450. Archaeologists have uncovered extensive prehistoric irrigation canals dating back to 400-500 A.D., evidence of the advanced agricultural practices of these ancient inhabitants. Despite a period of depopulation and abandonment in the late 14th and 15th centuries, the cultural traditions of the ancestral Sonoran Desert people persist through modern-day descendants, keeping their legacy alive. Visitors to the park can explore the ruins and immerse themselves in the rich history and archaeological findings of this ancient civilization through guided tours and exhibits, gaining insight into the complex and enduring culture of the Sonoran Desert people.
