The eastern shoshone tribe will undertake a planning and professional capacity building project to lay the groundwork for establishing a cultural hub that will serve as a future cornerstone for…

The Eastern Shoshone Tribe received a $250,000 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program (CFDA 45.308), awarded on October 1, 2025, with a completion date of September 30, 2028. The grant funds a planning and professional capacity-building initiative designed to establish a cultural hub serving as a cornerstone for cultural preservation, education, and community engagement on the Wind River Indian Reservation in Fort Washakie, Wyoming.

Key deliverables include the hiring of a part-time Collections Specialist and full-time Curator to lead development of an interpretive plan, establish policies and procedures, and conduct a comprehensive inventory and rehousing of collections housed in the Eastern Shoshone Archives and Cultural Center. The grant also supports engagement of an interpretive planning consultant to collaborate with the Curator, tribal leaders, and cultural experts in developing a culturally authentic narrative for the future museum. Project funds cover staffing, supplies, training, and professional development activities designed to strengthen the Tribe's cultural stewardship capacity and support a cohesive approach to preserving and sharing Eastern Shoshone heritage.

The eastern shoshone tribe will undertake a planning and professional capacity building project to lay the groundwork for establishing a cultural hub that will serve as a future cornerstone for cultural preservation, education, and community engagement. The tribe will hire a part-time collections specialist and a full-time curator, who will lead the development of an interpretive plan, establish policies and procedures, and conduct a comprehensive inventory and rehousing of collections currently housed in the eastern shoshone archives and cultural center. Project funds will also cover an interpretive planning consultant, who will work closely with the curator, tribal leaders, and cultural experts to develop a culturally authentic narrative for the future museum. Investing in needed staff, supplies, training, and professional development will strengthen the tribe's cultural stewardship capacity and support a cohesive approach to preserving and sharing eastern shoshone heritage.