The chickasaw nation will support the preservation, digitization, and display of archival materials, in service to maintaining its language, culture, and traditional knowledge

The Chickasaw Nation received a $149,989 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 a completion date of September 30, 2027. The grant supports the preservation, digitization, and digital display of archival materials dating from the 19th and 20th centuries that document Chickasaw social movements, culture, and traditional knowledge. These fragile materials were previously inaccessible to tribal citizens, researchers, and community members due to their delicate condition and the geographical limitations of in-person access.

The primary deliverable is a digital collection website featuring the preserved and digitized archival materials, which will be made available to patrons through secure access logins. The project addresses critical preservation needs while simultaneously advancing scholarly production and education within the Chickasaw Nation by removing physical and accessibility barriers to these culturally significant resources. Performance of the grant will occur in Ada, Oklahoma.

The project will focus on 19TH and 20TH century materials that contain rich details about chickasaw social movements and culture. These materials are currently inaccessible to patrons and researchers due to their fragile condition as well as the geographical limitations of seeing them in person. Project funds will support preservation and digitization efforts to increase their availability to tribal citizens and community members, which will improve scholarly production and education. Results will include a digital collection website for these archival materials, which will be available to patrons with access logins.