The shoshone-bannock tribes of the fort hall reservation of idaho will expand services by digitizing and preserving community oral histories, historical photographs, and tribal news publications

The Shoshone-Bannock Tribes 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 on October 1, 2025, with completion targeted for September 30, 2027. The grant supports the expansion and digitization of the Shoshone-Bannock Tribal Library's cultural preservation services through acquisition of audio/visual recording equipment and supplies for documenting community oral histories and digitizing historical photographs and tribal news publications.

The project deliverables include establishment of a digital database for archiving historical materials, tribal research, and publications; procurement of digital and print subscriptions and software to support library operations; and personnel hiring to manage scanning, digitization, and categorization activities. These services will enable tribal member students and community members to access and conduct research on culturally relevant historical topics, enhancing the library's role as a knowledge center for cultural continuity and community information resources.

Project funds will support the procurement of audio/visual recording equipment and supplies related to digitizing community oral histories, conducting research, and archiving historical materials and publications. The shoshone-bannock tribal library will also obtain new digital and print subscriptions and software, and hire personnel to assist with scanning, digitization, and categorization. The library will establish a digital database for storing historical materials, tribal research, and publications. This will enable tribal member students to research relevant topics.