The douglas indian association will address the need to perpetuate the cultural practice of chilkat weaving by instructing 52 developing cultural practitioners in traditional weaving practices and…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Douglas Indian Association $250,000 on October 1, 2025, under the Native American/Native Hawaiian Museum Services Program (CFDA 45.308) to perpetuate Chilkat weaving traditions through instruction and documentation.

The recipient will instruct 52 developing cultural practitioners in traditional weaving practices and make documentation of the process available online. Project activities include documenting the methods of making traditional robes and tunics by a master artist and apprentices, developing a community and youth weaving education program, displaying a completed robe and tunic, and holding a closing celebration. Funding covers a traditional weaving mentor/master artist, weaving apprenticeships, supplies, classroom space, and an audiovisual documentation specialist.

Performance takes place in Juneau, Alaska, from October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2027. The Douglas Indian Association, a federally recognized tribal government, is the recipient. This project grant aims to introduce traditional weaving practices to a wider audience, inspire additional community members to learn the practice, and provide accessible educational resources to ensure Chilkat weaving passes to future generations.

The douglas indian association will address the need to perpetuate the cultural practice of chilkat weaving by instructing 52 developing cultural practitioners in traditional weaving practices and making documentation of the process available online. Project funds will cover a traditional weaving mentor/master artist, weaving apprenticeships, supplies, classroom space, and an audiovisual documentation specialist. Activities will include documenting the methods of making traditional robes and tunics by the master artist and their apprentices, developing a community and youth weaving education program, displaying a completed robe and tunic, and holding a closing celebration for the program. By introducing traditional weaving practices to a wider audience, inspiring additional community members to learn the practice, and providing accessible educational resources, this project will help ensure chilkat weaving is passed on to future generations.