08/23/2026
Exciting!
NVE AWARDED IMLS GRANT: Connected to the Past – Phase 3
NVE is excited to announce that our Cultural Department has been awarded funding through the Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS) Native American/Native Hawaiian (NANH) Museum Services Program to complete Phase 3 of Connected to the Past.
This immersive virtual reality experience digitally recreates a traditional scene at iiyaaG (Eyak village), where participants can interact with ancestral belongings, experience traditional activities, and hear dAXunhyuuga’ (Eyak language). During this final phase, NVE will work closely with the Eyak Community and Eyak Cultural Foundation to expand the language, activities, characters, belongings, and stories represented within the experience.
The completed project will become an interactive exhibit at the Ilanka Cultural Center and a portable resource for cultural and educational programming.
AwA’ahdah — Thank You!
NVE gratefully acknowledges IMLS for supporting all three phases of Connected to the Past and investing in the preservation and perpetuation of Indigenous languages and cultural practices.
We also thank the Eyak ancestors, elders, cultural bearers, language contributors, Eyak Cultural Foundation, and community members whose knowledge and guidance continue to shape this project.
We look forward to sharing the completed experience with our Tribal Members and community!
