Truth in National Parks Act

# National Parks Bill Aims to Protect Accurate History

Congress is considering legislation that would require the National Park Service to maintain historically and culturally accurate information at park sites across the country. The Truth in National Parks Act, introduced by U.S. Rep. Sharice Davids, a Ho-Chunk Nation tribal citizen from Kansas, has been referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources for consideration.

The bill responds to recent concerns about edits and removals of Native-focused interpretive materials at National Park Service units, including content on forced removal and Indian boarding schools. It would establish accuracy as a formal standard for all educational materials presented at park sites while limiting when the Department of the Interior can remove or alter exhibits, signs, and online content. The legislation allows updates only when new, credible information emerges, and requires the Secretary of the Interior to consult with Indian Tribes when appropriate.

For Wisconsin residents, this legislation carries particular significance given the state's deep connections to Native American history and the Ho-Chunk Nation's roots in the region. Accurate interpretation of Indigenous history at parks and historic sites helps ensure visitors understand the full story of Wisconsin's past, including the experiences of tribal communities. The bill also directs a government report on co-stewardship agreements between federal agencies and Indigenous communities, potentially expanding tribal involvement in managing public lands.

If passed, the legislation would require restoration of any accurate materials altered or removed between January 2025 and the law's enactment within 180 days, signaling a commitment to preserving comprehensive historical narratives at America's parks.