Tribe receives National Leadership Grant for Libraries
2/13/2020 12:16:00 PM
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Public Relations
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE FAX (989) 115-4052
DATE: February 13, 2020
CONTACT: Frank Cloutier, Public Relations Director /C
The Saginaw Chippewa Indian Tribe is pleased to announce the award of $238,420.00 dollars
from the Institute of Museum and Library Services {IMLS)-FY19 National Leadership Grants for
Libraries. Anne Heidemann, Tribal Librarian stated "We are delighted to have been awarded
this prestigious grant from the Institute of Museums and Library Services. This project will give
the community the opportunity to determine what system of organization best reflects
Anishinaabe ways of being, and to be leaders in efforts across Turtle Island to decolonize and
lndigenize library services. We are so excited to see what happens".
This grant will address the question: How can tribal libraries use traditional ways of knowing
and being to break free of the colonialist epistemology of existing library organizational systems
that reinforce a damaging worldview? As part of the dominant power structure, libraries carry
symbolic weight, even for those who do not use them. In order to benefit from and use a
library, one must feel comfortable and know the protocols.
This project aligns directly to the IMLS agency-level goal to build capacity by making the Tribal
Libraries a community catalyst to improve the well-being of the community. The projected
outcomes of this project are that community members are more invested in the libraries,
libraries, library materials are easier to find, the systems are easier to learn and navigate, the
libraries are used more and are known as trusted, respectful source for quality resources, and
community members are satisfied with the system of organization.
Please contact Frank Cloutier, Public Relations Director at {989) 775-4076 or at
fcloutier@sagchip.org for further information on the announcement.