We Come for Good: Archaeology and Tribal Historic Preservation at the Seminole Tribe of Florida

by Paul N. Backhouse (Editor), Brent Richards Weisman (Editor), Mary B. Rosebrough (Editor)

"Offers a unique perspective on tribal approaches to managing historic preservation and addresses the multiplicity of issues common to all tribal historic preservation groups."--Joe Watkins, director, Tribal Relations and American Cultures Program, National Park Service "A concise, detailed account regarding the enormity of the task THPOs face in successfully navigating the two worlds of federal historic preservation laws and statutes and tribal cultural beliefs, knowledge, and traditions."--James Quinn, Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, Mohegan Tribe of Connecticut "An important book that highlights the complicated, confusing, and often contradictory world navigated by the intrepid personnel of the Seminole Tribe of Florida’s Tribal Historic Preservation Office."--Ryan Wheeler, director, Robert S. Peabody Museum of Archaeology As indigenous populations are invited to participate in cultural heritage identification, research, interpretation, management, and preservation, they are faced with a variety of challenges, questions that are difficult to answer, and demands that must be carefully navigated. We Come for Good describes the development and operations of the Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO) of the Seminole Tribe of Florida as an example of how tribes can successfully manage and retain authority over the heritage of their respective cultures. With Native voices front and center, this book demonstrates ways THPOs can work within federal and tribal governments to build capacity and uphold tribal values--core principles of a strong tribal historic preservation program. The authors also offer readers one of the first attempts to document Native perspectives on the archaeology of native populations. Willie Johns | Stephen Bridenstine | Marty Bowers | Paul N. Backhouse | Danny Tommie | Anne Mullins | Eric Griffis | Jeffrey W. Sepanski | Jack Chalfant | Mary Jene Koenes | Matthew Fenno | Karen Brunso | Jessica Freeman | Annette L. Snapp | Maureen Mahoney | Juan J. Cancel | Carrie Dilley | Lewis Gopher | Domonique deBeaubien | Kate Macuen | Bradley M. Mueller | James Charles | Timothy A. Parsons | Quenton Cypress | Brent R. Weisman

Genres: Archaeology

398 pages, Hardcover

Published March 21, 2017

Reviews

[Josh Liller · Rating 4 out of 5]

We Come For Good is a collection of 18 essays and oral history interviews related to the Seminole Tribe of Florida's Tribal Historic Preservation Office (THPO). The THPO performs the role of a State Historic Preservation Office (SHiPO) within the tribe's reservations, and also has a consulting role on Seminole-related sites outside the reservations, especially NAGPRA issues (Native American Graves and Repatriation Act) - a role that would become larger a decade later when NAGPRA requirements expanded.

I found a few of the essays pertaining to the evolving organization of the THPO and some of the more legal and technical matters to be rather dry, and that's the only reason this book isn't getting the full five stars from me.

The essays about studying historic Seminole camps and how non-tribal staff try to build a positive relationship with tribal members who view them with suspicion were interesting. The essay about Fort Shackleford really underscores the issues of trust, stemming from past incidents. The essay about preserving the Brighton Red Barn is quite touching.

The highlight for me were the three interviews with tribal members - 0ne of them fresh out of high school. Although the interviews are in part asking about perceptions of the THPO, they also cover the individual's life experiences. They provide great insight into modern Seminoles who grew up in a world rather different from their parents and grandparents, with changing cultural attitudes.

A must read for anyone interested in the Seminoles, either professionally or personally.

[Harry Klinkhamer · Rating 4 out of 5]

This insightful work lifts the proverbial curtain on understanding Seminole culture and the challenges and nuances that white cultural resource professionals must understand in order to build trust and understanding needed to do their work. A must read for anyone interested in working for THPO agencies.