Disaster Planning for the Preservation of Karuk Tribal Cultural Collections

FAIN: PG-51816-13

Karuk Tribe of California (Happy Camp, CA 96039-1016)
Helene Rouvier (Project Director: May 2012 to November 2014)

Hiring a consultant to assist in developing a disaster preparedness and response plan for the archaeological and ethnographic collections housed at the Karuk Tribe Cultural Center and to conduct on-site training for the staff and volunteers.

This project focuses on the ethnographic and archaeological collections of the Karuk People's Center. The collection contains Karuk basketry, ceremonial regalia, ground stone and lithic materials, and historical photos acquired through donation, purchase, repatriation, and family loans. Objects are from pre-contact village sites, from late 19th century ceremonies, and from contemporary Karuk artists. The collection is seen as sacred and living; strict cultural protocols govern care and use of regalia and other objects of power. Certain sacred items are "danced" and brought to the World Renewal ceremonial complex known as "pikyawish." The collection is also used by contemporary weavers and regalia makers, by language speakers, and by researchers interested in Karuk heritage and culture. This project would provide professional guidance and tools for disaster planning, particularly flood and wildfire that threaten the People's Center.