Archival Repatriation Committee Virtual Session - June 16, 2023, 12:00-1:30PM EST

Dear Colleagues, 

The Society of American Archivists has established the Archival Repatriation Committee in 2022. Our charge is to:   

[E]nsure that the organization's services, activities, policies, communications, and products support the goal of supporting archivists in repatriating and receiving archival materials. It coordinates with various SAA entities, external organizations, and originating communities and monitors, evaluates, advocates for, and reports on matters relating to the repatriation of archival materials. 

The creation of this Committee is a first step toward archivists and archival institutions fulfilling our responsibilities to Indigenous communities. We are already working on several exploratory projects to activate our charge. These will serve to lay groundwork for larger efforts in the years to come. 

Our initial projects include compiling a list of archival repatriation training opportunities and developing a bibliography of resources. We will also launch a series of listening sessions to invite community members to share their repatriation ideas and concerns. This includes having a sustained presence at the International Conference of Indigenous Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM).

This committee is also keenly aware of the significant role archives hold in truth-telling and reconciliation efforts relating to the impact of Indian Boarding Schools for many Indigenous Nations. In the months ahead, we will continue to support the efforts of Indigenous Nations to secure archival materials relating to Boarding School records. 

Additionally, we will begin drafting guidance for SAA membership, institutions, and communities to inform best practices around archival repatriation.

We recently launched our SAA microsite, where you will find more details of our work and the list of our Committee membership. We also invite you to attend our virtual session at the Annual Meeting on June 16, 2023, 12:00-1:30pm EST (registration link). 

We are excited to begin the work of this Committee. We welcome your suggestions and feedback from membership and various SAA component groups that will improve and expand our work. 

-SAA Archival Repatriation Committee
Co-Chairs: Jaime Arsenault and Ricky Punzalan
Members: Vina Begay, Forget Chaterera-Zambuko, Diana Marsh, Jacob Savory, Kevin Schlottmann, Melissa Stoner
Student volunteer: Jack Schmitt