In celebration of Native American Heritage Month, Princeton University Library (PUL) highlights the following resources and efforts around the Library.

Indigenous Collections Working Group 

Established in 2021, the Special Collections Indigenous Collections Working Group (ICWG) conducts inclusive and reparative description work on archival and rare book collections that center around Indigenous communities in North America.

Indigenous Studies Collection (located on Firestone 1st Floor)

In October 2022, Princeton University Library (PUL) took a step towards promoting the study and appreciation of Indigenous cultures and histories by unveiling its Indigenous Studies Collection. The resource was born out of a vision to center Indigenous voices and perspectives. 

PUL hosts Inaugural Lunaape Language Camp in its Makerspace

The Library hosted 15 Munsee language-keepers and young adults in the PUL Makerspace for hands-on activities as part of the inaugural Lunaape Language Camp, deepening collaborations that began more than two years ago. The events took place on Lunaapahkiing, traditional Lunaape lands in and around Princeton, New Jersey, and were supported by the Land, Language, and Art (LLA): A Humanities Council Global Initiative, Princeton University, and by the School of Historical Studies at the Institute for Advanced Study (IAS).

PUL Co-hosts Third Annual Munsee Language and History Symposium

On Friday, November 3, Princeton University Library (PUL) hosted more than 50 Munsee community members and history scholars at Firestone Library as part of the Third Annual Munsee Language and History Symposium. The event continues and deepens ongoing relationships with Lunaapeewak (Lenape people) from the Munsee-speaking tribal nations, bringing them together with Princeton students, staff, and faculty.

Wild Reads: Navajo Nation and the Environment

Chemistry, Geosciences and Environmental Studies Librarian Emily Wild recommends the following books on the topic of the Navajo Nation and the environment.

“Oklahoma’s Poor Rich Indians” collection by Zitkála-Šá 

The short tract "Oklahoma's poor rich Indians” by Zitkala-S̈a (aka Gertrude Bonnin), Charles H. Fabens and Matthew K. Sniffen detailed the murder and exploitation of members of the Osage Nation long before #KillersoftheFlowerMoon. Part of our collection on the American West, this pamphlet is bound with four others published by the Indian Rights Association as part of the organization’s efforts to persuade Congress to better protect Indigenous rights and freedoms.

Published on November 20, 2023

Compiled by Brandon Johnson, Communications Strategist

Media Contact: Barbara Valenza, Director of Library Communications