About the Project

In 2006 the Western Council of State Libraries (WCSL) submitted a grant application to the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) to fund two National Tribal Conferences and several Immersion Institutes commencing in 2007 through 2009.

The first 2007 National Conference was held in Oklahoma. Immersion Institutes were held throughout 2008. The final 2009 National Conference was held in Portland, Oregon.

The Western Council grant concept originated from a multi-partner Arizona IMLS National Leadership Grant. The Western Council grant project continued to build upon the foundation from those earlier efforts to: create a network of support for tribal cultural institutions and programs; articulate contemporary issues related to the development of tribal libraries, archives and museums; and encourage collaboration among tribal and non-tribal institutions.