National Park Service creates Office of American Indian Affairs
A member of the Rosebud Sioux Tribe will serve as the leader of a new office within the Midwest region of the National Park Service.
Reed Robinson, the deputy superintendent of the Badlands National Park, is the program manager of the Office of American Indian Affairs. He comes to the position with 25 years of experience in the parks agency.
“Historically, tribal people have felt isolated and trust has sometimes been impaired, and so it is imperative we work to overcome barriers and create a vision together, one that takes us toward a more inspired and holistic form of tribal engagement," Robinson, who also served as superintendent of Devils Tower National Monument, said in a press release. "In my role as tribal liaison, I want to play a part in deepening the sense of connection between the original peoples of this country and the NPS in a good and sensitive way. I feel very honored, excited and humbled by this new responsibility.”
In his new role, Robinson will ensure agency policies and actions respect tribal sovereignty. He will also work to build intercultural partnerships and provide internal cultural competency training, support government-to-government consultation and serve as the Midwest region's lead advisor on American Indian affairs.
“This reinforces our commitment to fulfill our trust responsibilities to tribal governments. Reed is the right person to help us continue charting a positive path forward with our tribal partners,” Midwest regional director Cam Sholly said.
Robinson will be based out of an office in Rapid City, South Dakota, starting on August 23.