Funded by the Institute for Museum and Library Services (IMLS), this internship program will focus on preservation of library materials and bettering conservation practices.
Because Cornell's program is designed to build a preservation infrastructure in tribal colleges and universities using a train-the-trainers model, Grant-Jackson's nominators noted that Humboldt State's Curriculum Resource Center serves much the same role in meeting the needs of tribes throughout the state of California. The primary purpose of ITEPP's Curriculum Resource Center is to preserve tribal cultures and histories with accurate portrayals in educational materials.
As coordinator, Grant-Jackson already provides cultural presentations in local schools, guidance in identifying culturally appropriate and inappropriate curricular materials, and assist educators in identifying and/or developing curricula free of misrepresentations, myths and stereotypes about indigenous peoples. Tribal educators and librarians, as well as innovative Indian education programs, charter schools, magnet schools, and public schools rely upon Grant-Jackson to maintain extensive collections of curricular resources appropriate for preschool through post-baccalaureate education.
Upon completing this summer internship, Grant-Jackson plans to develop specialized workshops to address the specific needs of Northern California tribal communities and public schools.
Upon hearing of her acceptance for the summer internship at Cornell, Grant-Jackson expressed her gratitude for the opportunity, as well as her commitment to reciprocate, adding, "I'm going to work hard while I'm there, and when I get back, so that our tribes and schools districts will benefit from what I have learned."