The NEZ perce tribe will build capacity for its tribal library to better serve both staff and the public, including tribal members who are reconnecting and want to learn about their NEZ perce…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Nez Perce Tribe $149,401 on October 1, 2025, under the Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services program (CFDA 45.311) to build capacity for its tribal library and expand cultural and language programming.

The project will add bookcases and literature to the library, offer educational programs for all ages, collect and document oral histories, and support cultural practitioners and scholars. The Nez Perce Tribe will host monthly workshops in Lapwai, Orofino, and Kamiah where participants can learn traditional art, receive Nez Perce language instruction, and share cultural experiences. Elders and traditional experts will share their knowledge to provide a multi-generational experience.

Performance runs through September 30, 2027. Place of performance is Lapwai, Idaho. This is a project grant, a non-competitive award category under Native American Library Services Basic Grants designed to improve core library services and maintain existing operations for eligible Indian tribes.

The NEZ perce tribe will build capacity for its tribal library to better serve both staff and the public, including tribal members who are reconnecting and want to learn about their NEZ perce culture and language. The project will add new bookcases and literature, offer educational programs for all ages, collect and document oral histories, and support cultural practitioners and scholars. The library will host monthly workshops in lapwai, orofino, and kamiah, where participants can learn traditional art, gain NEZ perce language instruction, and share cultural experiences. Elders and traditional experts will share their knowledge and wisdom, which will provide a multi-generational experience.