This presentation examines materials related to the Protocols for Native American Archival Materials. It attempts to parse the differences in the socio-cultural frameworks of archival institutions and Native American peoples. The disconnect between traditional/indigenous knowledge systems and the Euro-centric mindsets of traditional archival institutions can be seen by comparing sources, ranging from international organizations to local communities. The paper finds that although many conversations have begun between archives and originating Native American communities, there is still much work to be done.

1. The Protocols for Native
American Archival Materials
Challenge and Opportunity

2. International Declarations
• UNESCO Convention on the Means of
Prohibiting and Preventing the Illicit Import,
Export, and Transfer of Ownership and
Cultural Property (1970)
• United Nations Declaration on the Rights of
Indigenous Peoples (1994)

3. Australia
• Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders Protocols
for Libraries, Archives and Information
Services (1995)

4. United States
• Native American Graves Protection and
Repatriation Act [NAGPRA] (1990)

5. Protocols for Native American Archival
Materials
• Developed by a group of 15 Native Americans,
First Nation and Aboriginal information
professionals, scholars and 4 non-native
archivists at Northern Arizona University
(2007)
• Goal to develop best practices for culturally
responsive care and use of American Indian
archival material held by non-tribal
organizations.

6. United States
• Freedom of information is a basic right
• Archives mission to collect and conserve
cultural records

7. Native American Tribes
• Knowledge is traditionally transmitted
selectively within communities
• Unique status as Sovereign Nations

8. Eurocentric Values
Organized religions are widely recognized as
sacred…
• Knowledge found in religious texts: e.g. Torah,
Bible, Qu’ran;
• Items: e.g. rosaries, crucifixes, statues;
• Rites: e.g. baptism, bris, Adhan
…all these are mystical, but they are not private, not
privileged, secret knowledge.

9. Indigenous Knowledge Systems
Native communities would not willingly shared
knowledge outside of their own people, let
alone allow it to be on display, and freely
accessible by the public in Western archives.