Association of Tribal Archives Libraries & Museums

Mission: The Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums supports the work of Indigenous cultural institutions, provides culturally relevant programming and services, and promotes Indigenous cultural sovereignty. The organization aims to ensure the cultural survival of Indigenous peoples in the 21st century and beyond.

Primary Focus Areas:

ATALM addresses critical gaps in cultural resources and services for Native populations, particularly those in geographic isolation and disadvantaged communities. The organization focuses on:

1. Culturally-responsive training for staff members of tribal archives, libraries, and museums
2. Tribal leader support of cultural programs
3. Identification, documentation, and recognition of successful tribal cultural programs
4. Cultural sovereignty and the return of Native cultural heritage
5. Professional development for current and emerging staff in Indigenous archives, libraries, and museums

Key Programs:

• International Conference of Indigenous Archives, Libraries, and Museums – An annual conference providing culturally relevant training, professional development, educational sessions, hands-on labs, and networking opportunities. ATALM2024 (November 12-14, Palm Springs, California) attracted over 1,700 participants with approximately 225 educational sessions. ATALM2025 is scheduled for October 7-9 in Cherokee, North Carolina.

• Strengthening Institutional Support for Native Artists (SISNA) – A national effort to ensure Native artists and culture bearers have recognition, resources, and support.

• Culture Builds Communities – Provides training and resources to Native communities planning and designing cultural facilities.

• Doris Duke Native Oral History Project – Connects Indigenous communities to oral history materials found in seven universities across the country.

• Sustaining the Humanities through the American Rescue Plan – With funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities, ATALM provided over $1.35 million in funding to 118 tribal cultural institutions in 29 states to help recover from the COVID-19 pandemic and provide humanities programming.

• Digital Inclusion and Broadband Access Programs – Initiatives to improve digital access for Native communities.