Carrying the Stories: Preservation and Responsibility in the Crow Nation with Aaron Brien - Plains 39

In this episode of The Great Plains Archaeology Podcast, Carlton is joined by Aaron Brien (Apsáalooke), Tribal Historic Preservation Officer for the Crow Tribe, for a powerful conversation on history, memory, and responsibility. Grounded in Aaron’s experiences growing up with Crow oral traditions, the discussion explores how storytelling serves as a living practice, one that maintains relationships across generations and keeps the past present. Aaron reflects on how memory and identity are carried through stories shared by his grandmothers and community, emphasizing that these narratives are not simply about the past, but are central to cultural continuity and the Crow worldview. The conversation then turns to his role as a Tribal Historic Preservation Officer, where these same values guide how cultural heritage is protected, interpreted, and passed forward. The episode also looks ahead to the upcoming 150th anniversary of the Battle of the Little Bighorn, considering what rememb...