Prairie State Wire

Logan Pappenfort has been appointed as the director of tribal relations for the Illinois State Museum, following his role as interim director of Dickson Mounds Museum and former second chief for the Peoria tribe of Indians of Oklahoma. In his new position, Pappenfort will be responsible for fostering relationships between the museum and tribal nations in Illinois, ensuring compliance with federal laws such as the Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA).

Expressing his gratitude for the opportunity, Pappenfort stated, "I am grateful for the opportunity to create long lasting partnerships between the state of Illinois and the tribal nations which call it home." He also acknowledged the challenges in building these relationships but expressed confidence in the dedication of the ISM staff to do the right thing.

IDNR Director Natalie Phelps Finnie praised Pappenfort's qualifications, noting that his professional and personal background make him well-suited for the role. Finnie emphasized the importance of strengthening tribal relations in Illinois, stating, "As a removal state, Illinois has a lot of work to do to strengthen our tribal relations."

Jenn Edginton, ISM Interim Director, highlighted the significance of tribal relations for the museum's future, welcoming Pappenfort's appointment to ensure Indigenous voices are prioritized in the museum's operations.

Pappenfort, a member of the Peoria Tribe of Indians of Oklahoma, brings a wealth of experience to his new role, having served in various positions within the tribe focused on cultural preservation and historic preservation. He holds an anthropology degree from Kansas State University and is actively involved in advisory boards and committees related to cultural heritage and decolonization efforts.

As the second person to hold the position of director of tribal relations for the Illinois State Museum, Pappenfort is set to continue his work in strengthening relationships between the museum and tribal communities in the state.