Indigenous Collections Care Speaker Series
Tuesday, February 3, 2026 (3:00 PM - 4:30 PM) (EST)
Description
Rethinking Collections Stewardship
In partnership with the Indian Arts Research Center (IARC) at the School for Advanced Research and Gilcrease Museum, the Indigenous Collections Care (ICC) Speaker Series explores new frameworks for museum collections stewardship centered on Indigenous knowledge and values. Leading up to the anticipated release of the Indigenous Collections Care Guide, this series will highlight key components and themes within the upcoming Guide.
Through four panels—Intellectual Care of Collections, Physical Care of Collections, Relationship Building and Consultation, and Use and Access of Collections—panelists will engage in moderated conversations and roundtable discussions on culturally appropriate care practices. Each session highlights practical strategies, case studies, and collaborative approaches for reshaping institutional protocols around consultation, documentation, conservation, and access. Join us to learn from experts leading this vital work and to consider how your own institution can incorporate Indigenous care considerations into its collections stewardship practices.
Intellectual Care of Collections
Intellectual care of collections is a central component of stewardship practices. This conversation, facilitated by the co-founders of the ICC Guide, highlights the real-world work being done around this topic. Speakers will share their experiences consulting with communities and implementing protocols for access and management of institutional records, images, and documentation.
Panelists:
- Kara Vetter, Senior Director of Cultural Resources, Museum of Us
- Evan Mathis, Director of Collections & Exhibitions, Museum of the Cherokee People
- Meghan Dorey, Manager, Myaamia Heritage Museum and Archive
