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
February 3, 2026
2:00 – 3:30pm Central
Panelists:
Kara Vetter, Museum of Us
Evan Mathis, Museum of the Cherokee People
Meghan Dorey, Myaamia Heritage Museum and Archive
Physical Care of Collections
March 3, 2026
2:00 – 3:30pm Central
Panelists:
Dyan Youpee, Fort Peck Assiniboine and Sioux Tribes
Rebecca Rupe, Match-E-Be-Nash-She-Wish Band of Pottawatomi Indians
Amy Covell-Murthy, Carnegie Museum of Natural History
Relationship Building and Consultation
April 7, 2026
2:00 – 3:30pm Central
Panelists:
Laura Elliff Cruz, School for Advanced Research
Chance Ward, History Colorado
Marti Only A Chief, Pawnee Nation
Use and Access of Collections
May 5, 2026
2:00 – 3:30pm Central
Panelists:
Amanda Lancaster, Alutiiq Museum
Sarah O’Donnell, The Osage Nation
Ed Jolie, Arizona State Museum
RaeLynn Butler, The Muscogee (Creek) Nation
This project was made possible in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services. The views, findings, conclusions or recommendations expressed in this program do not necessarily represent those of the Institute of Museum and Library Services.







