The central council tlingit and haida indian tribes of alaska will offer cultural arts classes in washington state over two years, ensuring that knowledge is passed down to future generations

The Central Council Tlingit and Haida Indian Tribes of Alaska received a $150,000 Project Grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) under the Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services program (CFDA 45.311), awarded October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2027. The grant funds a two-year initiative to deliver cultural arts classes in Washington State, addressing the limited access to cultural programming experienced by over 8,000 Tlingit and Haida tribal citizens residing outside Alaska. Classes will emphasize traditional art forms including weaving and regalia-making while providing mentorship and intergenerational knowledge transfer.

The project supports cultural preservation and enhancement of cultural education by expanding tribal citizens' access to museum and library collections. By removing financial and geographic barriers to participation, the grant enables the organization to document and transmit traditional cultural knowledge to future generations, strengthening the tribe's capacity to maintain cultural continuity and linguistic heritage among dispersed populations.

Many tlingit and haida citizens who live outside of alaska, particularly in washington and california, have limited access to cultural programs due to financial and geographic barriers. The project will support the preservation of traditional arts, enhance cultural education, and expand access to museum and library collections for over 8,000 tribal citizens. IT will provide classes in art forms like weaving and regalia-making while promoting mentorship and the intergenerational transfer of cultural knowledge.