Grand Ronde Learning Exchange
© AMNH
The Grand Ronde Learning Exchange program is a collaborative initiative aimed at fostering education and cultural exchange between the American Museum of Natural History and the Confederated Tribes of Grand Ronde. The internship was established with the signing of the historic Willamette Meteorite agreement in 2000.
The program has evolved to emphasize experiential learning, cultural reconnection and continuity, and community engagement. Throughout their time in the program Grand Ronde youth participate in a variety of activities including visiting exhibits around the city, meeting with science and museum professionals, and preparing public presentations.
Participants gain perspectives and insights into history, science, while connecting to traditions and contributing to projects around the topics of cultural exhibitions and educational outreach. The program has evolved into a vital platform for dialogue and co-creation that showcases the importance of integrating Indigenous perspectives into education and museum work.
When is the internship?
The Confederated Tribes of the Grand Ronde Learning Exchange invites Grand Ronde youth to New York City for two weeks each June, followed by continued collaboration within their communities in August as they prepare to present at the Annual Education Summit in Grand Ronde.
What do interns do?
- Participate in conversations on cultural representation in museums with professionals across multiple institutions
- Engage with archival research staff to review historical materials and photographs
- Learn about some contemporary research in planetary science through connections with graduate students
- Engage with Museum professionals working in research collections and in collections care management
- Collaborate with Museum teams on various projects
- Present their learning and reflections in a variety of settings
To learn more about the application process, please visit the Chachalu Museum and Cultural Center.
Meet the Interns
“My experience with the internship was amazing. I got to learn so much about different cultures, and I got to witness things I otherwise might have never seen. It was very memorable to go behind the scenes at AMNH and other museums, and look at the archives around t'əmanəwas. Being able to be in the same room as him, to see him and touch him, feel his presence was something I have never experienced before. I will never forget feeling his spirit in my chest.”
I am a volunteer firefighter in my community.
“When the skies become clear again, the mountains become lush, animals regain their homes, berries grow vast and far, and our rivers soar without pollution we will be reunited with our family full time. t'əmanəwas our tillicum…”
Shawl song at 2025 Canoe Journey (Lower Elwah, Washington).
Materials shared here in the context of the Grand Ronde Learning Exchange have been published with permission from Grand Ronde members. Anyone wishing to reuse images or quotes should seek additional permission.