Shaleigh Howells Completes Indigenous Cultural Landscape Research Fellowship The NAGPRA program coordinator supported Indigenous histories and stewardship in Shenandoah National Park.

By Lily Caldwell
October 15, 2026

Shaleigh Howells, Native American Graves Protection and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) program coordinator at Washington and Lee University, recently completed the Indigenous Cultural Landscape (ICL) Research Fellowship with the Shenandoah National Park Trust.

The 18-month fellowship focused on supporting the identification, representation and interpretation of the Monacan Indigenous Cultural Landscape (ICL) and its intersections with Shenandoah National Park. Through historical research, community engagement, data collection and GIS mapping, Howells explored Monacan connections to the lands now encompassed by Shenandoah National Park.

Over the course of the fellowship, the project evolved in response to partner conversations and priorities, shifting away from a traditional ICL report and toward relationship building, knowledge sovereignty and identifying opportunities for continued collaboration. Howells coordinated partner engagement, research, fieldwork and project development while supporting conversations around Monacan history, ultimately helping establish a stronger foundation for continued partnership beyond the fellowship period.

Howells is in their first year as a staff member at W&L. Prior to W&L, they worked as the cultural resources director and museum director for the Pamunkey Indian Tribe and are the co-founder and principal of River to Ridge Consulting. They earned a Bachelor of Arts in history and political science from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts and a Master of Arts in museum studies from Harvard University.

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