How the U.S. National Park Service Prioritized Nature Over Indigenous People: A History of Displacement and Cultural Erasure
The U.S. National Park Service (NPS), established in 1916, is often celebrated for preserving breathtaking landscapes and protecting wildlife. From the towering granite cliffs of Yosemite to the geothermal wonders of Yellowstone, the parks are symbols of America’s natural heritage. Yet, this legacy has a darker side—one in which Indigenous peoples were displaced, their cultures erased, and their rights dismissed in favor of constructing a pristine wilderness for the enjoyment of others.
The NPS’s prioritization of nature over Indigenous peoples reflects broader historical trends of colonization, land theft, and cultural suppression. This article explores the origins of this prioritization, its impacts on Indigenous communities, and ongoing efforts to reconcile the past.
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### **The Origins of the National Park System: Displacement from the Start**
The concept of national parks emerged in the mid-19th century, largely influenced by Romantic notions of untouched wilderness. Prominent figures like John Muir championed the idea of preserving nature as a sanctuary for spiritual renewal, often overlooking the fact that these landscapes were home to Indigenous peoples who had lived there for millennia.
The establishment of Yosemite National Park in 1864 and Yellowstone National Park in 1872 marked the beginning of this movement. However, creating these parks required the removal of Native populations. For instance:
– **Yosemite National Park**: The Ahwahneechee people, who had lived in the Yosemite Valley for generations, were forcibly removed by the U.S. military. Their homes were burned, and their way of life was disrupted under the guise of preserving the valley’s “natural beauty.”
– **Yellowstone National Park**: The Crow, Shoshone, and other tribes who relied on the Yellowstone region for hunting and spiritual practices were barred from accessing the land. The U.S. government justified this by perpetuating the myth that Indigenous people were incapable of appreciating or protecting nature.
In both cases, the creation of national parks prioritized a vision of wilderness that excluded human presence, particularly that of Indigenous peoples.
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### **Erasure of Indigenous Knowledge and Practices**
Indigenous communities had been stewards of the land long before the establishment of the NPS. Their knowledge of controlled burns, plant cultivation, and wildlife management contributed to the biodiversity and resilience of these ecosystems. However, the NPS dismissed these practices, viewing them as incompatible with their mission of preserving “untouched” nature.
This erasure was not just ecological but cultural. Sacred sites, burial grounds, and other places of spiritual significance were incorporated into parklands, often without consultation or acknowledgment. For example:
– **Devils Tower (Bear Lodge)**: This iconic formation in Wyoming is a sacred site for several Plains tribes. Despite its spiritual significance, it became a popular rock-climbing destination, often disrupting tribal ceremonies.
– **Grand Canyon**: The Havasupai people were forced off their ancestral lands in the Grand Canyon to make way for tourists. Their sacred connection to the land was disregarded in favor of creating a national treasure.
By sidelining Indigenous practices and beliefs, the NPS reinforced the false narrative that wilderness exists only in the absence of human activity.
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### **Economic and Social Consequences of Displacement**
The displacement of Indigenous peoples from parklands had devastating economic and social consequences. Many tribes lost access to hunting, fishing, and gathering grounds, which were vital to their sustenance and economies. Without these resources, communities were forced into dependency on government aid.
Additionally, the cultural disconnection caused by removal from ancestral lands exacerbated the erosion of tribal identities. Stories, rituals, and traditions tied to specific landscapes became harder to pass down to future generations. This loss of cultural continuity remains a profound source of grief for many Indigenous communities.
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### **The Role of Racism and Stereotypes**
Underlying the prioritization of nature over Indigenous people was a pervasive racism that framed Native populations as obstacles to progress or threats to the environment. Early park advocates like John Muir often described Indigenous peoples in derogatory terms, viewing them as “primitive” or “uncivilized.”
These stereotypes justified their removal and exclusion from parklands. The narrative of parks as “uninhabited wilderness” became deeply ingrained in American culture, obscuring the history of Indigenous displacement and perpetuating the myth that the land was free for the taking.
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### **Recent Efforts to Acknowledge and Address the Past**
In recent years, the NPS and other organizations have taken steps to acknowledge the injustices faced by Indigenous peoples and incorporate their voices into park management. Some key initiatives include:
1. **Tribal Co-Management Agreements**
Several national parks have entered into co-management agreements with Indigenous tribes, allowing them to play a role in decision-making and resource management. For example, the Bears Ears National Monument in Utah was created with input from a coalition of Native tribes, and they continue to have a say in its stewardship.
2. **Restoration of Land Rights**
In some cases, tribes have regained access to their ancestral lands within park boundaries. The Havasupai tribe, for instance, successfully reclaimed a portion of the Grand Canyon in the 1970s.
3. **Cultural Interpretation and Education**
The NPS has begun to incorporate Indigenous perspectives into park interpretation programs. Visitor centers, guided tours, and educational materials increasingly highlight the histories and cultures of the Native peoples who lived in these areas.
4. **Sacred Site Protections**
Efforts are underway to protect sacred sites within national parks from activities that conflict with their spiritual significance. For example, seasonal climbing closures at Devils Tower have been implemented to respect Native ceremonies.
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### **Challenges and the Road Ahead**
While progress has been made, significant challenges remain. The NPS must grapple with systemic issues, including a lack of funding and staffing to support meaningful tribal partnerships. Additionally, there is often resistance from non-Native stakeholders who view increased Indigenous involvement as a threat to recreational access or tourism revenue.
True reconciliation will require not only acknowledging past wrongs but also fundamentally rethinking the purpose and management of national parks. This includes:
– **Land Back Movements**: Advocating for the return of certain parklands to Indigenous ownership and control.
– **Incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge**: Recognizing the value of Indigenous stewardship practices in maintaining healthy ecosystems.
– **Educating the Public**: Raising awareness about the history of Indigenous displacement and the ongoing contributions of Native communities to conservation.
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### **Conclusion**
The prioritization of nature over Indigenous people by the U.S. National Park Service is a legacy of colonization that continues to shape the landscapes and narratives of America’s national parks. While these protected areas are celebrated for their beauty and ecological importance, their creation came at a significant human cost.
As the NPS seeks to balance conservation with justice, it must center Indigenous voices and honor the deep connections between Native peoples and the land. Only by addressing these historical injustices can the U.S. truly celebrate its parks as places of inclusion, healing, and shared heritage.