IntroductionBill Kurtz, Fires Archeologist

Tim Guyah, Acting Regional Archeologist

What is the role of the BIA Archeologist?

Ensure the BIA-MRO takes appropriate action for a specific undertaking as a result of section 106 compliance (36 CFR 800.2)

But… working with/for Tribes adds several layers

What are these layers?

Working with/for Tribes to protect cultural resources

• Vast majority of BIA projects are Tribally initiated – – BIA does not generate projects like other federal agencies, So?– BIA due to it’s role is a quasi land management agency and is tasked

with NHPA compliance– Tribes generate projects, BIA archeologists ensures those projects

comply with NHPA

• BIA archeologists role does not start or end with NHPA, we also have to be versed in NAGPRA, NEPA, ARPA, executive orders, etc.

• Ultimately, our goals are to assist Tribes while ensuring compliance requirements are met – a somewhat unique mission in Federal Service

What do we actually do?

633 – 36 –7–5 –2 –

What do we actually do?

633 – Number of NEPA actions requiring NHPA review 36 – Tribes within the Midwest Region7 – Programs – Roads, Forestry/Fires, Realty, Fee to Trust Division, Natural Resources, Gaming, Technical assistance/other5 – Midwest Region covers 5 states2 – BIA archeologist currently on staff

Questions?

• How can we improve our service to you?