The spokane tribe of indians preservation program, archives and collections has a rich array of audiovisual items capturing oral histories with elders, tribal governance meetings, and salish…

The Institute of Museum and Library Services awarded the Spokane Tribe of the Spokane Reservation, doing business as Spokane Tribe of Indians, $116,854 on October 1, 2026, under the Native American and Native Hawaiian Library Services program (CFDA 45.311) to preserve and digitize audiovisual collections spanning 1951 through 2005 held by the Spokane Tribe of Indians Preservation Program, Archives and Collections. The collections include oral histories with elders, tribal governance meetings, and Salish language recordings at risk of format obsolescence and physical media degradation.

Funding supports deployment of a digital asset management system platform; audiovisual access workstations at the Spokane Tribe of Indians Preservation Archives and Collections Repository in Wellpinit, Washington, enabling on-site access for community members and researchers; and archival packaging and storage materials aligned with professional preservation standards. The project delivers direct benefit to tribal community members, Spokane Salish language learners, tribal youth, and researchers and educators.

Performance of work takes place in Wellpinit, Washington 99040. The period of performance runs from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.

The spokane tribe of indians preservation program, archives and collections has a rich array of audiovisual items capturing oral histories with elders, tribal governance meetings, and salish language recordings spanning from 1951 through 2005. The goal of this project is to preserve these vital items through digitization and improved access, as many of them are at risk of format obsolescence and physical media degradation. Funds will support the deployment of a digital asset management system platform; a/V access workstations at the spokane tribe of indians preservation archives and collections repository, enabling community members and researchers to access digitized materials on-site; and archival packaging and storage materials in alignment with professional preservation standards. The project will provide direct benefit to tribal community members, spokane salish language learners, tribal youth, and researchers and educators.