Ethnographic Overview and Assessment

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An ethnographic resource is defined here as any natural or cultural resource, landscape, or natural feature linked by a subject ethnic community to the traditional practices, values, beliefs, history and/or ethnic identity of that community. It is the purpose of the solicited research to provide an inventory of these resources within a defined study area as they are reflected in existing records. The overview also requires site visits and/or interviews with representatives of selected associated ethnic communities. Ethnographic Overviews and Assessments are baseline cultural resource documents as defined in DO-28, Cultural Resource Management Guidelines, and will provide the park with information to help meet its obligations under the provisions of the National Historic Preservation Act, the National Environmental Policy Act, the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation⿿s regulations regarding the "Protection of Historic Properties," the Secretary of the Interior⿿s "Standards and Guidelines for Archeology and Historic Preservation", and the "Federal Agency Responsibilities under Section 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act.⿝. B. Project Objectives ⿿ The overall objective of this project is the preparation of an ethnographic resource report for Natural Bridges National Monument. This documentation and evaluation of ethnographic resources will be used to support public education and park interpretation to increase understanding of Native American tribes⿿ traditional connection with Natural Bridges National Monument. The products of this project will be available to the public (save any sensitive cultural information or other information determined necessary to be kept confidential). Information gained and recommendations made as a result of the Ethnographic Overview and Assessment will be used by park personnel to 1) better educate the public about the deep connection between tribes and tribal members to lands contained within Natural Bridges National Monument and its landscape as well as improve the National Park Service⿿s understanding of how its actions may affect those connections, 2) design culturally sensitive interpretation programs and materials, 3) sensitively respond to requests by tribal members for the use of park places or resources, and 4) fully consider impacts to these resources that may result from proposed NPS actions within park planning activities.

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