Brent, Mr. David Shongo, archivist of the Seneca Nation, is the current chair of the Society of American Archivists Roundtable for Tribal archives. I suggest you get in touch with him, or better yet, attend the meeting of the Roundtable at the annual meeting of SAA in Washington in a couple of weeks where you can meet other tribal archivists. David's e-contact information is David Shongo ([log in to unmask]). Best of luck! Elizabeth Fairfax, MA,CA -----Original Message----- From: Brent Burgin [mailto:[log in to unmask]] Sent: Thursday, July 13, 2006 9:47 PM To: [log in to unmask] Subject: Native American Studies protocols and best practices Hello.... I am a long arranger presently in the process of opening a Native American Studies Archive. The Thomas J Blumer Research Collection will be located at the University of South Carolina Lancaster and contains a large body of materials collected by the donor over a forty year period. These documents pertain to the Catawba Indians, the only federally recognized tribe within the state of South Carolina. Their pottery is simply incredible, definitely Pre-Columbian and the tradition may go back 4000 years. Dr. Blumer has also collected over 1000 pieces which will also ultimately be housed in this area and be a corollary to this collection. I have thousands of slides, photographs and many oral histories from the Catawba. However, I am seeking assistance from other archivists familiar with Native American collections. I have been in contact with the University of Northern Arizona and have been studying their protocols. I am also trying to develop a good working relationship with the Catawbas but there is currently a serious dispute on the reservation. Tribal members have had an election and voted the current administration out, yet they refuse to leave the longhouse and contend the election was illegally held and they are the legitimate governing body. Our donor is somehwat strongly identified with either the legitimate or dissident faction, depending upon whose side one is on. Therefore confusion exists as to whom the legitimate tribal governing body is. I have worked very hard to steer a neutral course and will continue to do so. At a recent pow-wow I met a wonderful lady who asked when we would have the oral history tapes restored. She wanted very much to hear her mothers voice again and let her grandchildren hear also. I would very much like to give her a tape, but what are the legalities? I recently met a former senior tribal member who has a large collection of papers that he may possibly donate to this institution. He does not want to sign a deed of gift however...because of the way a Native American is historically treated every time he signs a paper with the white man...I can certainly understand his feelings and frustrations, yet is there a way around this? Perhaps I ramble a bit here..but I want to ensure the goodwill of the Native Americans who will be vetting and using this archive. I also need to know what other institutions have done in regards to sharing materials and establishing relationships with Native American cultures. Please reply on or off list. I would especially appreciate responses from Native Americans and tribal archivists. Your responses and candor are appreciated and needed. Thanks for your time. Brent Burgin Archivist USC Lancaster Lancaster, SC __________________________________________________ Do You Yahoo!? Tired of spam? Yahoo! Mail has the best spam protection around http://mail.yahoo.com A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]> A posting from the Archives & Archivists LISTSERV List sponsored by the Society of American Archivists, www.archivists.org. For the terms of participation, please refer to http://www.archivists.org/listservs/arch_listserv_terms.asp. To subscribe or unsubscribe, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] In body of message: SUB ARCHIVES firstname lastname *or*: UNSUB ARCHIVES To post a message, send e-mail to [log in to unmask] Or to do *anything* (and enjoy doing it!), use the web interface at http://listserv.muohio.edu/archives/archives.html Problems? Send e-mail to Robert F Schmidt <[log in to unmask]>