In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, host Carlton Shield Chief Gover sits down with Matt Reed, Chief and Tribal Historic Preservation Officer (THPO) for the Pawnee Nation of Oklahoma. Matt shares how his role as THPO serves as both a cultural and regulatory responsibility—protecting sacred sites, ancestral landscapes, and Pawnee heritage through a tribally driven preservation program.

The conversation explores how Pawnee worldviews and values shape historic preservation efforts, highlighting the spiritual and cultural importance of place. Matt also discusses what it means to lead as both a traditional leader and a THPO, and how the Pawnee Nation asserts sovereignty while navigating consultation and compliance with federal and state agencies.

This episode offers a powerful perspective on the intersection of leadership, land, and legacy—and what it takes to preserve history with integrity and purpose.

Transcripts
For rough transcripts of this episode go to https://www.archaeologypodcastnetwork.com/great-plains-archaeology/23

Links

• The Archaeology of the North American Great Plains by Douglas B. Bamforth (2021)
• Archaeology on the Great Plains Edited by W. Raymond Wood (1998)
• Carlton's KU Anthropology Faculty Bio

Contact

• Instagram: @‌pawnee_archaeologist
• Email: [email protected]

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