Sovereign Futures Archive

Nihí Futures

Sovereign Futures Archive

Preserving 25 years of Native library and archival services community impact through storytelling and visioning a sovereign, culturally rooted future.

Farmington, NM, USA

USA

For-profit, including B-Corp or similar models

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Indigenous communities in the U.S.—including Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian peoples—face significant challenges in preserving their cultural heritage, stories, and knowledge systems. While federal funding through programs like the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) has supported library and archival services in these communities over the past 25 years, the impact of these initiatives has not been systematically documented. As a result, there is a lack of accessible records that showcase the transformation these services have made in the lives of Indigenous peoples. This issue affects over 570 federally recognized tribes and extends globally, as Indigenous knowledge is at risk of being lost due to misrepresentation and underrepresentation in mainstream archival practices. Currently, 80% of Native archival materials are held outside of Native-controlled institutions, limiting access and cultural sovereignty. Compounding this problem is the tenuous status of IMLS under the current administration, threatening to dismantle critical programs that have supported Indigenous libraries and cultural centers. As funding becomes uncertain, it is urgent to document 25 years of IMLS-funded initiatives before these efforts are lost. Our project will capture and preserve these stories, empowering Native communities to control their own narratives and vision for the future.

Sovereign Futures Archive is a project dedicated to capturing, preserving, and sharing the impact of 25 years of IMLS funding in Native communities. By documenting stories of transformation through library and archival services, we aim to create a digital platform that showcases these efforts and empowers Indigenous communities to vision the future of cultural preservation. Our solution involves a digital archive combining oral histories, interviews, and archival materials from Native communities. The platform will include case studies from a variety of Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities that highlight how they have grown and developed local library and archival services unique to each community. These case studies will illustrate the unique challenges faced by each community, the solutions implemented, and the transformative outcomes that resulted. The platform will be built using digital storytelling tools, data visualization, and open-source technologies. It will prioritize Indigenous data sovereignty, allowing communities to control their narratives and ensure their knowledge is accurately represented. By capturing the impact of past efforts and showcasing real community-driven success stories, we will empower Native communities to shape their future while honoring their past.

Sovereign Futures Archive directly serves Native American, Alaska Native, and Native Hawaiian communities. These communities have historically been underserved in terms of access to library and archival services, with limited resources to preserve, document, and share their cultural knowledge and knowledge systems. Native Communities face a unique set of challenges when it comes to cultural preservation, as much of their knowledge resides in oral traditions, which are not always reflected in mainstream library and archival systems. Additionally, 80% of Native archival materials are held outside of Native-controlled institutions, making it difficult for these communities to access their own history. This creates a gap in preserving cultural heritage and limits opportunities for future generations to learn from their past. Our solution addresses these needs by creating a digital archive that empowers Native communities to preserve, and share their own stories. Through the StoryKeepers Fund, we will document the positive impact of IMLS-funded library and archival programs, ensuring that Indigenous communities have the resources to continue growing and shaping their future. This solution provides access to vital knowledge, fosters cultural sovereignty, and promotes self-determination, directly enhancing the lives of these communities.