New York State Parks is taking a major step toward telling a more inclusive story of its historic sites by naming Amber Bedard as its new Interpreter of Native American History.
Bedard, a member of the Piikani First Nation of the Blackfoot Confederacy, will help lead efforts to incorporate Indigenous voices and perspectives across 35 state historic sites and parks with cultural resources. She joins the Division for Historic Preservation as part of the state’s ongoing Our Whole History initiative.
In her role, Bedard will work directly with Indigenous tribes and nations to guide how Native stories are shared through exhibits, signage, tours, and public programs. Her approach centers on respect, listening, and reciprocal relationships.
“Interpretation can be a bridge between the past and the present, but it must be built on respect, listening, and reciprocity,” Bedard said in a statement. “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.”
Bedard brings experience in higher education and cultural interpretation, along with deep connections to contemporary Native communities. Her work will emphasize community consent and collaboration, consulting regularly with Tribal Historic Preservation Officers and Indigenous leaders across the state.
Acting Commissioner Kathy Moser praised the appointment, saying Bedard’s work “will help create new opportunities for New Yorkers to explore our state’s whole history.”
The Our Whole History initiative, launched in 2020, aims to uncover and share lesser-known stories from New York’s past — especially those of ordinary and extraordinary people whose experiences have often gone untold.
New York State Parks welcomes more than 88 million visitors annually and oversees over 250 parks, historic sites, trails, and recreational areas. For more, visit parks.ny.gov.
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