An Ethnohistory Study for Pinnacles National Park

Project ID: P15AC01579

Federal Agency: National Park Service

Partner Institution: Portland State University

Fiscal Year: 2015

Initial Funding: $24,950

Total Funding: $24,950

Project Type: Research

Project Disciplines: Cultural

National Park: Pinnacles National Park

Principal Investigator: Deur, Doug

Agreement Technical Representative: Johnson, Brent

Abstract: This project is a collaborative effort by the National Park Service (NPS) and Portland State University (PSU) to develop an Ethnohistory Study for Pinnacles National Park (PINN). Relationships between American Indian groups and the Pinnacles in pre-contact and early historic times have never been systematically documented. This work will facilitate greater understanding of the cultural affiliation of modern descendants of these peoples to the park through survey of historical and ethnographic documentation. It will also provide additional knowledge about traditional land use and resource management practices to support research on the traditional ecological knowledge of American Indian cultures of this region. The project will encourage tribal participation in collaborative research and enhance public appreciation of tribal history and traditions. This study will be undertaken in four interrelated phases with Phase I products including a research prospectus and work plan, including a bibliography of all key sources. Phase II will consist of cultural affiliation research and preliminary findings relating to tribal associations followed by a final report Phase Ill will consist of a study of traditional use and management of resources, including a thematic overview of significant resources and characteristic traditionally managed landscapes. Phase IV will synthesize data from all prior phases and produce a comprehensive final report with additional historic context.