Wazhazhe Archive

𐓏𐓘𐓻𐓘𐓻𐓟 · Préservation de la langue

Purpose

The Wazhazhe Archive is the Foundation’s longest-running programme. It funds the recording, transcription, and digitisation of Wah-Zha-Zhe language materials — elder oral histories, ceremonial-protocol records (under perpetual confidentiality where applicable), photographic plates, and the working papers of the Osage Nation Museum.

Partnerships

The Archive operates in cooperation with the Osage Nation Museum (founded 1938, the oldest tribally-owned museum in the United States) and the Daposka Ahnkodapi language school. Where ceremonial protocol applies, the Archive defers absolutely to the Nation’s own institutions.

The Osage script

The Wah-Zha-Zhe write their own name in their own writing: 𐓏𐓘𐓻𐓘𐓻𐓟. The Osage script is encoded in Unicode 9.0 (block U+104B0–U+104FF). The fonts and keyboards that render the script rest on more than a decade of community and academic work. The Archive intends to underwrite this work for the foreseeable future.

Annual grant slate

Each year the Archive publishes a slate of awards directed at named projects in language preservation, archival digitisation, and capital improvements to archival infrastructure. The slate for the current cycle is announced in March; final-year reports are filed in December.

What we will not do

License, depict, or commercialise ceremonial regalia, songs, dances, or sacred materials. Republish materials disclosed in confidence. Speak on behalf of the Osage Nation. The Archive is a steward, not a publisher.

Engagement

Project inquiries: [email protected]. Researchers wishing to consult held materials: [email protected].