Designing a Digital Archive with Indigenous Community Values

The blog post by Suzanne Dergacheva explores the design principles behind the Our Stories, Our Medicine Archive (OSOMA), a digital platform co-created by Evolving Web and the University of Denver in partnership with Indigenous communities. The archive serves as a living repository of traditional knowledge related to health, culture, and identity and was intentionally designed to reflect Indigenous values rather than institutional norms. Its goal is not just to store information but to foster connection, exploration, and respect for community-held knowledge.

A central feature of OSOMA is its emphasis on discoverability and plain language. Content is organized around broad, culturally meaningful themes like Ceremony, Plants, and Hope, which allow users to explore organically. The site avoids technical or authoritative language, opting instead for an open, accessible tone. Media, such as videos, can be viewed directly on browsing pages, making the experience intuitive even for users unfamiliar with digital archives.

The platform highlights personal stories over institutional framing. Each contributor has a profile page that links their narratives, interviews, and knowledge items, reinforcing the idea that lived experience is central to the archive. Participation is encouraged and made visible, allowing community members to submit content and access culturally sensitive materials via Drupal’s Group functionality.

Suzanne presents OSOMA as a model for how digital platforms can support cultural continuity through inclusive and respectful design. Strong visuals, accessibility, and a focus on community input help ensure that the archive remains both functional and human. The project challenges conventional archival practices and offers a path toward digital spaces that honour relationships and shared stewardship of knowledge.