Michael Spears

"Examining the Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPO) Program: Tribal Sovereignty in Federal Historic Preservation"

Advisor: Dr. Benedict Colombi

This project examines how Tribal Historic Preservation Offices (THPOs) function as key institutional hubs within Tribal governments, supporting Tribal sovereignty, cultural continuity, and land-based decision-making. While THPOs are formally tasked with historic preservation responsibilities, in practice they engage with a wide range of issues affecting Tribal lands and lifeways, including infrastructure development, land management, and environmental change. Through interviews and a survey of THPOs, this research documents how these programs shape decision-making processes and protect culturally significant landscapes across diverse Tribal contexts. By centering Tribal perspectives, this study highlights THPO programs as critical mechanisms through which Indigenous communities sustain cultural systems and assert sovereignty in the face of ongoing environmental and development challenges. The Haury Program Degree Completion Grant will support the Mr. Spears in completing his dissertation writing, providing critical funding support the final steps in obtaining their degree.