1890 Comes to Anchorage, or at least to UAA

I won’t compete with Emily’s fine description of the Aviation Museum reception except to state that it was a blast and I didn’t get a chance to crash the simulator or to shoot its guns. A tragedy, a travesty, or both . . .

I had the responsibility to run the business meeting Saturday morning. It went as most meetings do, but it is the best opportunity to thank all of the people that really made this wonderful conference go. Arlene Schmuland and her local arrangements crew, Gina Rappaport and her program committee, Kathy Bouska who almost singelhandedly raised nearly $1500 for NWA scholarships, all of the sponsors, all of the hardworking committees, the presenters and speakers, and of course all of the 74 people who registered for the conference. I’m regularly wowed by the energy and power of our little motley crew.

There was one last session. Since I was participating as chair, I had to attend.

Breaking the Ice: Protocols for Native American Materials and Archivists in the Northwest (Linda Wynne, Monique Lloyd, John Bolcer). This session is the result of the Northwest Archivists board decision to present the protocols in each of its five member states during the next five years. Linda, of Sealaska, discussed the need for protocols in Native communities. Her very personal and moving stories about the need to bring tribal material back to the tribe were powerful. I always like the courage needed to show your heart. Monique discussed the background and development of the protocols and also used personal stories to illustrate the nature of the protocols. John discussed institutional concerns with the protocols as written, and had suggestions for revisions that could strengthen the document and make it more supportable by non-Native American institutions. There was very lively discussion afterwards and I think the session was a success in its intention of creating communication of this important subject.

All that remained was the closing plenary with Mike Doogan.

I have to say that I was entranced by Alaska. I believe that the success of this conference should encourage the NWA board and membership to consider moving Alaska into regular rotation, like any other member state, so that our Alaskan colleagues can showcase their digs on a regular basis.