The Going Home Summit: Advancing the Return of Native Cultural Heritage takes place October 7-9, 2025, in Cherokee, North Carolina. This transformative three-day gathering is focused on fostering dialogue and action around the ethical stewardship and voluntary return of Native material culture. Centered on the principles of ATALM’s Going Home Fund, the summit will bring together tribal leaders and cultural experts, archives and museum staff, funders, policymakers, and advocates to address the opportunities and challenges of returning cultural items to their rightful communities.
Participants are required to register for the ATALM2025 conference. For individuals who are actively engaged with the planning of the Summit, presenting or moderating sessions, and helping with post-Summit work, funding is available in the form of registration fee waivers, four nights shared lodging, and a travel stipend. Note: Individuals proposing a session do not need to complete the invitation request form.
The following applications are due by April 1, 2025. ATALM will continue to accept applications until capacity is reached.
- Request an invitation to attend. Space is limited, and participation is by invitation to ensure a diverse community of attendees. Request an invitation here.
- Propose a Session. Submit a session proposal here. Note: Individuals proposing a session do not need to complete the “Invitation Request” form.
- Join as a Summit Partner. Funders, tribes, and affiliated organizations are invited to collaborate in shaping the Summit. Apply to be a Summit Partner here.
- Project Plan: Going Home Summit: Advancing the Return of Native Cultural Heritage. This draft Project Plan serves as a starting point for discussions on creating a framework for voluntary returns and shared stewardship. It is not a final blueprint but rather a foundation for collaboration, feedback, and refinement. We welcome insights and input. Read plan here.
- Ethical Returns and Shared Stewardship Survey. ATALM is gathering insights into how Native communities, non-Native collecting institutions, and funders can work together to restore cultural heritage to descendant communities. Learn more and take the survey here.
- Reclaiming Indigenous Oral Histories: Draft Recommendations. Through programs, research initiatives, and direct engagement with Native communities and collecting institutions, ATALM has developed recommendations regarding Native oral histories. These recommendations are a starting point and are meant to spark further discussion. Review recommendations here.
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