Attending the 2025 Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) Conference in the homelands of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians was a deeply enriching experience, combining professional learning, cultural connection, and a strong sense of place. Set against the Smoky Mountains at the height of fall, with mist rising over ridgelines and vibrant foliage, the conference offered an atmosphere both grounding and reflective.
One of the most memorable moments of the week was visiting the Oconaluftee Indian Village, an immersive 1760s-era Cherokee community site. The visit provided meaningful context for the conference, allowing attendees to witness traditional craftsmanship, hear from cultural interpreters, and gain insight into Cherokee language revitalization, governance, and daily life. Experiencing the village firsthand underscored the enduring strength of Cherokee cultural practices and framed the rest of the conference with a deeper appreciation for the ways history, land, and community remain interconnected.
The Cherokee Cultural Evening and Social Dance further strengthened connections among attendees. Through shared songs, stories, and dance, participants joined a warm and welcoming celebration of Cherokee culture, creating a space of connection and respect.
Conference sessions, workshops, and informal conversations reflected ATALM’s commitment to advancing Indigenous cultural sovereignty. Topics such as shared stewardship, repatriation and voluntary returns, language preservation, community archiving, support for Native artists, and the use of emerging technologies for cultural knowledge highlighted the innovation and dedication present across the field. These discussions offered practical tools, thoughtful case studies, and collaborative models that will inform and strengthen cultural work in the months ahead.
Leaving Cherokee, I carried with me a renewed sense of inspiration and responsibility. The beauty of the land, combined with the generosity of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and the collective knowledge shared throughout the conference, made ATALM 2025 an especially memorable gathering. The experience reinforced the importance of relationships, cultural grounding, and community-led approaches in all aspects of archival, library, and museum work.
