| dc.description.abstract | This thesis examines how Christian Anglo-American ideas about religion and nature, and the relationship between the two, has affected the establishment of the National Parks System and the legislation of nature and religious freedom in United States since the late 19th century. The ideological basis for the NPS and subsequent legislation of nature and religious freedom is fundamentally Christian, and therefore fails to include differing views of what it means to be religious or how religion can be tied directly to nature. Consequently, Native American religions, especially, suffer under these legislations and concepts. Native religions have a relational approach to the natural world. Many Native religions see nature as innate with meaning, value, and sacredness. By looking at the establishment of the NPS it becomes clear how little value Native perspectives were given in the Progressive Era. Native religions and communities are increasingly understood more complexly by American society in the 21st century. However, much of the legislation regarding public lands and religious freedom in the US still lacks the depth of recognition and understanding needed to fully accommodate and include Native perspectives meaningfully. | eng |