New York State Parks Has New Native American History Interpreter

The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation (State Parks) has added Amber Bedard to the Division for Historic Preservation as the Interpreter of Native American History.

A member of the Piikani First Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy in Alberta and Montana, she is an educator and cultural interpreter dedicated to centering Indigenous voices.

As the Interpreter of Native American History, Bedard is expected to support the agency’s Our Whole History initiative by informing and advancing the incorporation of Indigenous stories across 35 state historic sites and state parks with historic resources.

In her new position Bedard is expected to work directly with Indigenous tribes and nations to facilitate the inclusion of their voices and perspectives in historical tours, exhibits, and interpretive signage that reflects the histories and living cultures of the region’s Indigenous nations.

“An advocate for deep learning and creating space for Indigenous knowledge, Bedard is passionate about ensuring culturally responsive research and interpretation,” a press release announcing her hiring said.

“She believes this important interpretive work must center, appreciate, and uplift the strengths of Indigenous communities and histories by creating pathways that honor Indigenous ways of knowing, being, and doing. Her ongoing connections to contemporary Native cultures and communities guide her work and will help ensure that New York’s state historic sites honor the past while celebrating the living presence of Indigenous peoples today.”

Bedard will work with historic site managers and staff to cultivate and strengthen relations with Indigenous and First Nations communities “by utilizing reflexive research practice,” the announcement said. “Through frequent consultation with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and official Nation representatives, Bedard will help ensure that interpretation is guided by the principles of reciprocity, respect, and community consent.”

“Interpretation can be a bridge between the past and the present, but it must be built on respect, listening, and reciprocity. This work requires us to approach history not as something to own or define, but as something to be in relationship with,” Bedard said.

“When we invite Indigenous communities to lead in how their stories are shared, we begin to transform interpretation from a one-way telling into a mutual exchange – one that honors the depth of knowledge and experience that Indigenous nations bring. That’s when interpretation truly becomes meaningful: when it helps people understand that the past is not behind us, but continues to shape how we live together today.”

The Our Whole History (OWH) initiative seeks to reveal and share historically undertold stories of ordinary and extraordinary people across New York State.

By providing multiple perspectives on historic places and events, New York State historic sites and parks hope to encourage the general public to take a deeper look at our state’s history, learn more about the people who got us where we are today, and explore the experiences of all people.

Read more about indigenous history in New York.