MIAC Kicks off Fifth Summer with State Tribal Libraries Program

June 6th, 2019

(Santa Fe, New Mexico) – The Museum of Indian Arts and Culture (MIAC) proudly announces the summer 2019 collaboration with the State Tribal Libraries Programs (STLP), A Universe to Discover. This summer marks the program’s fifth year, engaging youth in activities, centering on outer space as this year’s theme. MIAC will bring objects from the museum, fostering an appreciation for the state’s arts and culture collections.

Each year, the Association for Library Service to Children dictates themes around which librarians and collaborators create nationwide curriculum. The collaboration between MIAC and STLP, under the direction of Fay Hadley, supports literacy and resource development, engaging children and teens in library-based educational activities. Tribal libraries serve a pivotal role in their communities, often considered a hub of family activity. MIAC is pleased to collaborate on STLP’s summer program with centers that already strengthen cultural identity, uphold Native language revitalization, promote intergenerational activities, and serve as research hubs.

The 2019 program supports youth-based learning initiatives focused on scientific space information, combined with cultural and community knowledge. The following Pueblos will take part in the State Tribal Libraries Program: Acoma, Cochiti, Jemez, Laguna, Ohkay Owingeh, San Ildefonso, Sandia, Santa Clara, Santo Domingo, Tesuque, and Zuni. Together, the participating Pueblos will reach 400 students—the program’s largest reach.

MIAC’s Director of Education, Joyce Begay-Foss (Diné) speaks to the benefits of working with cultural resources within each community. “Sharing the ways of knowing, in comparison to general scientific knowledge gives the students a new and culturally rich perspective. While some stories have been forgotten or lost, there are clans, families, and elders that hold different pieces of knowledge. While there is no correct way to interpret the stories shared, the versions shared hold their own integrity and lineage."

Previous years supported significant interest from tribal youth, creating a vested interest in the museum. As tribal youth grow into community leaders, programs such as A Universe to Discover cultivate involvement and engagement at MIAC for future generations.

The Sternberger Foundation sponsors the Tribal Library Program through generous funding, making the collaboration possible.