Last week, Cathy Cruzan and I had the privilege of attending the 2024 Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) conference in beautiful Palm Springs, California. Surrounded by stunning desert landscapes and warm sunshine, the conference brought together leaders, educators, and advocates from across the country to address the unique challenges and opportunities facing Tribal schools, libraries, and cultural organizations.
Beyond the sessions, the convention included a vibrant art market, where dozens of tables showcased incredible Native art and jewelry. It was a perfect backdrop for conversations about preserving culture, expanding opportunities, and embracing innovation. For me, the event wasn’t just about learning—it was about experiencing the creative spirit and resilience of these communities firsthand.
As someone who works closely with E-rate stakeholders, I was especially drawn to the sessions focused on funding and connectivity. Tribal schools and libraries are eligible for E-rate, and this program plays a critical role in supporting their mission. Here are some of my takeaways from the event.
Expanding Connectivity through E-Rate
Let’s start with the session FCC Funding Opportunities for Internet for Tribal Libraries and Schools. During the presentation, the FCC introduced its new T-LEAP initiative—short for Tribal Library E-rate Advocacy Program. This program aims to make it easier for Tribal schools and libraries to navigate E-rate funding and take advantage of resources tailored to their needs.
It was great to see the FCC and USAC working closely together to provide updates and share insights. Cathy and I had the opportunity to meet with representatives from both groups. The session also addressed recent E-rate updates, including potential funding for hotspot lending programs and cybersecurity services—as well as provided several resources to assist Tribal schools and libraries with the E-rate program.
Funding and Access for Tribal Communities
One of the standout sessions was Listening to Native Voices: Improving Funding Opportunities for Native Communities. It highlighted the transformative impact of a $3.71 million collaboration between ATALM and the National Endowment for the Humanities. This funding helped to restore jobs, provide critical services, and strengthen social and cultural capital in Native communities during the pandemic.
I also learned about the many grant opportunities available through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS). The key takeaway? Success often depends on understanding the grant process and starting early. This session reinforced how crucial funding is to the sustainability of Tribal organizations.
Leveraging AI for Cultural Preservation
One of the more thought-provoking sessions was Empowering Native Cultural Institutions in the Age of AI. The speaker introduced us to A.I. tools that can support cultural preservation, like language digitization and advanced archival methods.
But the session didn’t shy away from discussing the risks. Issues like data sovereignty, privacy, and job displacement came up, along with strategies to mitigate them. One memorable demonstration involved an A.I.-generated movie trailer and a face-swapping tool that was quite advanced. These examples underscored the importance of using A.I. ethically while exploring its potential for good.
Preserving Narratives through Cultural Innovation
Finally, the session Preserving Cultural Narratives through Fashion Design stood out as a creative celebration of Indigenous identity. While not directly tied to E-rate, it served as a powerful reminder of the role Tribal institutions play in preserving culture through innovation. It was a beautiful example of how cultural heritage can be expressed in ways that inspire and engage younger generations.
Conclusion
As I reflected on the conference, I kept coming back to the ways the E-rate program aligns with the goals of Tribal schools and libraries. By offering discounts on internet connectivity, E-rate helps bridge the digital divide and ensures that these institutions can access the resources they need. Programs like T-LEAP build on this foundation, making it easier than ever for Tribal applicants to succeed.
The ATALM conference left me feeling inspired and hopeful. Tribal schools and libraries are doing incredible work to preserve culture, expand opportunities, and embrace new technologies. At Funds For Learning, we’re proud to support their efforts through the E-rate program. Together, we can continue to build a future where connectivity and cultural preservation go hand in hand.
