Curating Indigenous Digital Collections
FAIN: PE-277041-21
Wisconsin Library Services (Madison, WI 53715-1255)
Erin F.H. Hughes (Project Director: June 2020 to present)
The development of partnerships with six tribal institutions to advance digital preservation and curation learning opportunities, which would include three one-year fellowships at partner institutions, workshops and discussions for 25 tribal cultural workers to develop a community of practice, and service-learning projects for 15 graduate students.
Wisconsin Library Services (WiLS), in partnership with the University of Wisconsin-Madison Information School and tribal community partners, will offer applied learning opportunities in digital preservation and curation for tribal cultural workers, early-career preservation professionals, and graduate students in archives and information science programs, while advancing the ongoing work of tribal libraries, archives, and museums to collect, preserve, and provide appropriate access to cultural patrimony. Curating Indigenous Digital Collections will support three one-year Fellows placed with six tribal Partners. Fellows will support Partners in developing and implementing digital projects using Mukurtu CMS, a content management system designed to meet the unique needs of Indigenous communities. As Native Nations face massive losses of knowledge and knowledge keepers, this project provides critical support to build local capacities and protect tribal identity and sovereignty.
Associated Products
Mukurtu Midwest (Blog Post)Title: Mukurtu Midwest
Author: Erin Hughes
Abstract: Promotion of NEH-funded grant project on WiLS website.
Date: 6/28/2021
Primary URL:
https://www.wils.org/mukurtu-midwest/Primary URL Description: Mukurtu Midwest Hub page on the WiLS website.
Website: WiLS
Greetings from Sarah Lundquist, Curating Indigenous Digital Collections Fellow (Blog Post)Title: Greetings from Sarah Lundquist, Curating Indigenous Digital Collections Fellow
Author: Sarah Lundquist
Abstract: Introduction to Curating Indigenous Digital Collections fellow, Sarah Lundquist.
Date: 06/18/2021
Primary URL:
https://www.wils.org/2021/06/14/greetings-from-sarah-lundquist-curating-indigenous-digital-collections-fellow/Primary URL Description: Introduction to Sarah Lundquist post on the WiLS website.
Website: WiLS
Indigenous languages being revitalized in Wisconsin in efforts to reclaim, maintain identity (Article)Title: Indigenous languages being revitalized in Wisconsin in efforts to reclaim, maintain identity
Author: Frank Vaisvilas
Abstract: Article on language revitalization in Wisconsin and the Ho-Chunk Nation's use of Mukurtu.
Year: 2021
Primary URL:
https://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/story/news/native-american-issues/2021/06/08/indigenous-sovereignty-rooted-revitalizing-languages-wisconsin/7544397002/?utm_source=greenbaypressgazette-Daily%20Briefing&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=daily_briefing&utm_Format: Newspaper
Publisher: Green Bay Press Gazette
Indigenous Applications of Mukurtu for Digital Collections (Public Lecture or Presentation)Title: Indigenous Applications of Mukurtu for Digital Collections
Abstract: Tribal libraries, archives, and museums collect, preserve, and share their unique languages and cultures while also protecting Indigenous identity, knowledge, and inherent sovereignty. Whereas many digital archive initiatives champion open access to content, Indigenous communities have cultural protocols and community preferences that necessitate more granular, deliberate management of the online circulation of cultural heritage resources.
Author: WiLS, Ho-Chunk Nation, Stockbridge-Munsee, and Pokagon Band of Potowatomi
Date: 5/5/2022
Location: Madison, Wi
WiLS Partners with Stockbridge-Munsee Community (Blog Post)Title: WiLS Partners with Stockbridge-Munsee Community
Author: Emily Pfotenhauer
Author: Monique Tyndall
Author: Erin F. H. Hughes
Abstract: Announcement of the partnership between WiLS and the Stockbridge Munsee Band of Mohican Indians on the "Curating Indigenous Digital Collections" grant.
Date: 09/25/2022
Primary URL:
https://www.wils.org/blog/wils-partners-with-stockbridge-munsee-community/Website: WiLS
POWRR Institute with WiLS and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community (Blog Post)Title: POWRR Institute with WiLS and the Stockbridge-Munsee Community
Author: Kelsie Flack, Curating Indigenous Digital Collections Fellow
Abstract: Recap of the November 2022 POWRR Institute Gathering
Date: 12/5/2022
Primary URL:
https://www.wils.org/blog/powrr-institute-with-wils-and-the-stockbridge-munsee-community/Primary URL Description: POWRR Institute Gathering Recap
Website: WiLS
WiLS at ATALM (Blog Post)Title: WiLS at ATALM
Author: Kelsie Flack, Curating Indigenous Digital Collections Fellow
Abstract: Recap of Year 2 and Year 1 Fellows trip to the 2022 ATALM Conference
Date: 12/12/2022
Primary URL:
https://www.wils.org/blog/wils-at-atalm/Primary URL Description: Recap of Year 2 and Year 1 Fellows trip to the 2022 ATALM Conference
Website: WiLS