The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation (PBPN) is pleased to announce the receipt of the Tribal Heritage Grant from the National Park Service for $74,941. The grant will be used to fund the PBPN Tribal Historic and Preservation Office (THPO) and its project to conduct oral history interviews with Tribal elders to preserve the historical account of the Nation and its people, their cultural heritage, and traditional practices.
This grant is awarded through the Tribal Heritage grant program, funded by the Historic Preservation Fund, and administered by the National Park Service, Department of Interior. The National Parks Service announced $603,149 in grants last week for 10 projects across the country to support the protection of Native cultures and the preservation of Tribal heritage for future generations.
The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation is committed to preserving the history, culture, traditions, and language of its people for future generations. The Nation currently operates or sponsors many programs that foster the preservation and renewal of the Nation’s cultural heritage and history, including the THPO, the Language Department, Child Care, Health Center, Wellness Connection, the Boys and Girls Club of the Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation and Royal Valley Singers and Dancers, to develop culturally-appropriate programming such as educational opportunities and workshops.
The PBPN Oral History Project will bolster these cultural preservation efforts over a planned two-year period, during which Tribal elders will be invited to share historical accounts, personal experiences, and cultural knowledge and traditions.