International Conference of Indigenous Archives, Libraries, and ...

Welcome from LaDonna Harris, Honorary Chair
Dear ATALM Family:
I am very pleased to serve as the Honorary Chair for this international conference of the
Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums. The ATALM embodies the same central
principle that has been fundamental to my work -- Indigenous peoples are and must be the
inventors of our own culturally appropriate solutions to address the
challenges of the 21st century.
Since founding Americans for Indian Opportunity over 40 years ago, I have
devoted my career to working with tribal governments and Native
communities to control our own destinies and resources and to foster
Indigenous values-based leadership.
The important work that ATALM and each of you are doing is essential to
the current and future political and cultural vitality of tribal peoples. I
applaud the role that ATALM and its leadership have played in supporting
tribally-controlled archives, libraries, and museums through both technical training and leadership
development. This work helps ensure that cultural resources are protected and that Indigenous
philosophies and values are reflected in an appropriate and authentic manner.
I am proud of my home state of Oklahoma and the Oklahoma Department of Libraries for taking
the lead in the founding and direction of ATALM. And I congratulate the federal Institute of
Museum and Library Services for its vital support of this organization.
Again, I applaud you for being here, and I commend your tribal leaders and institutions for
supporting your attendance. It warms my heart to know that so many tribal governments
recognize the importance and actively support archives, libraries, and museums as essential
services.
With best wishes for a fruitful conference,
LaDonna Harris (Comanche)
Founder and President
Americans for Indian Opportunity
3 Institute of Museum and Library Services Oklahoma Department of Libraries