Reps. Davids, Goldman Introduce Bill to Protect Native American Culture Amid Administration’s Removal of Historical Content at National Parks

Image April 28, 2026 Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, Representative Sharice Davids (KS-03), one of the first two Native American women ever elected to Congress, and Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) introduced the Truth in National Parks Act , legislation aimed at stopping the Trump Administration’s ongoing efforts to erase and rewrite parts of Native American history at National Park Service (NPS) sites. “Growing up, I learned from my family and my community how important it is to tell the truth about our ancestors — even when it’s hard,” said Davids . “What we’re seeing right now is a deliberate attempt to erase the experiences of Native communities and other marginalized groups from places that are supposed to educate and inform the public. That’s unacceptable. Our national parks should reflect the full story of who we are as a country, not a version edited to fit a political agenda. This bill is about protecting the integrity of those stories, honoring Tribal voices, and making sure future generations learn the truth.” Recent actions at NPS sites across the country have raised concerns about the removal or alteration of interpretive materials related to Native American history, including exhibits addressing forced removal and the federal Indian boarding school system. In some cases, historically accurate displays have been taken down or edited without meaningful consultation with Tribal Nations, undermining longstanding government-to-government relationships and the NPS’s mission to preserve and interpret history for public benefit. “The Trump Administration’s relentless whitewashing and rewriting of American history is a disgrace to this nation’s fundamental values. Each national park site represents the rich cultural and historic roots that shaped America,” said Representative Dan Goldman (NY-10) . “This legislation will safeguard sites in NY-10, such as the African Burial Ground, the Stonewall National Monument, and Ellis Island, and reverse any attempts to erase history at National Park sites — including the recent effort to take down the Pride flag and erase Trans and Queer history at Stonewall. I refuse to allow any sitting president to have unilateral authority in dictating how these stories are told.” The Truth in National Parks Act would: Require that NPS interpretive and educational materials are historically and culturally accurate; Prohibit the removal or alteration of accurate materials unless necessary to incorporate new, credible information; Restore historically accurate materials removed or altered since January 20, 2025; Require consultation with Tribal Nations and other relevant stakeholders before making changes to exhibits; Direct a report on co-stewardship agreements between Indigenous communities and federal agencies to strengthen Tribal partnerships. "Under these unprecedented times, when factual history and science in our parks are being called into question, we're grateful for Representative Davids' leadership that protects the integrity of the truthful and inclusive stories told within the National Park System," said Terrius Harris, Midwest Senior Program Manager, National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) . "This bill ensures that our Tribal partners, along with others, are consulted effectively and share the collective power of owning our American story. Our national parks are living classrooms where our shared history comes to life, helps inform our future, and inspires us to find the beauty in our country and each other." "The National Congress of American Indians supports this legislation to ensure that National Park Service educational and interpretive materials are historically and culturally accurate and protected from inappropriate removal or alteration," said Larry Wright, Executive Director, National Congress of American Indians (NCAI) . "The bill’s consultation requirements and focus on co-stewardship agreements reflect an important commitment to Tribal sovereignty and the inclusion of Indigenous perspectives. NCAI urges its swift passage to promote truth, accountability, and respectful representation across our national parks." Earlier this month, Davids and her colleagues also questioned Department of the Interior leadership about the removal of culturally accurate information at NPS sites. The letter cited reports of edits and removals at parks in multiple states, including the removal of a Grand Canyon display detailing the forced removal of Native Americans and changes to exhibits at Little Bighorn Battlefield National Monument addressing the history of Indian boarding schools. The Members requested detailed information on how many exhibits have been altered, whether Tribal consultation occurred, and how these actions have impacted co-stewardship agreements. Issues : Rights & Freedoms