The organized village of KAKE will improve collections care and preservation practices for the estimated 45 cultural heritage items held in the charles "topsy" johnson tribal library & archive

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Organized Village of Kake $149,512 on October 1, 2026, under the Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services program (CFDA 45.311) to improve collections care and preservation practices for approximately 45 cultural heritage items held in the Charles "Topsy" Johnson Tribal Library & Archive in Kake, Alaska.

Grant funds support professional conservation services to conduct a conservation assessment and develop a collections treatment plan for the Keex' Kwaan (Kake) Tlingit community. Staff will develop new policies and procedures based on the treatment plan, including training references. The award funds purchase of supplies, materials, and equipment for storage solutions and protective treatments for collection items, including temperature-controlled shelving units. The project enhances preservation efforts to promote greater access to the tribe's cultural heritage collections and ensure their preservation for future generations.

Performance period runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2028, with work performed in Kake, Alaska. This award represents one of eleven IMLS grants supporting library services, archives, and cultural programming at the tribal library and archive.

Kéex' kwáan (KAKE) is a lingit community that has faced significant loss of cultural heritage items. Grant funds will support professional conservation services to conduct a conservation assessment and develop a collections treatment plan. Staff will develop new policies and procedures based on the treatment plan including training references. Grant funds will support purchasing the needed supplies, materials, and equipment for storage solutions and protective treatments for collection items, including temperature-controlled shelving units. Through enhanced preservation efforts, the project promotes greater access to the tribe's important cultural heritage collections and ensures they are preserved for future generations.