The Association of Tribal Archives, Libraries, and Museums (ATALM) is mourning the unexpected passing of its Founding President and CEO, Susan Feller, whose death marks the loss of a transformative leader in the preservation of Indigenous culture and heritage.
For more than two decades, Feller dedicated her life’s work to strengthening Tribal archives, libraries, museums, language programs, and cultural institutions. Through her vision and determination, she founded ATALM and built it into a nationally recognized organization serving Indigenous communities across the United States and beyond.
Colleagues and community members remember Feller as a passionate advocate for Indigenous sovereignty in cultural preservation, someone who believed deeply in the importance of protecting and sharing histories, languages, traditions, and knowledge systems. Her work emphasized that cultural institutions are not only repositories of artifacts and information, but living spaces of identity, resilience, and community.
Under her leadership, ATALM created opportunities for professionals in Tribal cultural institutions to collaborate, share resources, and strengthen their work through training, networking, and institutional support. Her efforts helped shape a stronger national platform for Indigenous-led cultural preservation initiatives.
Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief and gratitude from across the cultural and academic communities she served. Tributes continue to highlight her vision, leadership, and unwavering commitment to uplifting Indigenous voices and institutions.
In a statement, the ATALM Board of Governors extended condolences to Feller’s family, friends, and colleagues, noting the profound impact she had on countless lives and communities.
The organization confirmed that its work will continue in accordance with her mission and vision. ATALM’s Chief Operating Officer, Melissa Brodt, who worked alongside Feller since the organization’s founding, has been appointed Interim President and CEO to ensure continuity during this transition. Preparations for ATALM2026 in Spokane will continue as planned.
Plans to honor Susan Feller’s life and legacy will be announced in the coming weeks.
Susan Feller will be deeply missed, profoundly remembered, and forever honored for her enduring contributions to Indigenous cultural preservation and community empowerment.