Installation of Window Film to Protect Cultural Items on the White Earth Reservation for Generations to Come

The Madico UV Guard Window Film that was installed filters out 99% of the UV light (in the range of 300 to 385 nanometers) while still allowing visible light into the space.

Short Term Expected Measurable Impact:
The short term expected impact is that cultural items will immediately be available for display and view by the community members. (Achieved).

Short Term Progress Indicator:
A short term indicator that we will have been successful will be that we will be able to monitor an increase in the number of individuals coming to these locations to view the cultural items. (Achieved).

Intermediate Term Expected Measurable Outcome:
An intermediate expected impact will be that community members who do come to view these items (after the UV window film is installed) will be more comfortable in the viewing space due to the temperature controlling benefits of the UV window film. (In Progress).

One thing that did happen was that when community members realized we were taking steps to protect the items with UV film several members of the community approached with the offers to display items made/held by members of their family. This was new as the current THPO had not been approached previously with such offers.

Intermediate Progress Indicator:
Those individuals who come to the space to view cultural items will indicate that they stay warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer when in these display areas. (Still in-progress as we are still securing funds to treat windows to the outside directly).

Long Term Expected Measurable Outcome/Impact:
Long term expected impacts will be that these irreplaceable cultural items will be better protected and available for generations to come due to the protection they will receive from the UV window film. In addition, Solar Energy Control indicated to the THPO that the savings from heating and cooling these display areas will be reduced due to the benefits of the UV window film and that within 5-7 years, the window film will have paid for itself with the savings from heating and cooling that will have accumulated. (In-progress as display cases are protected but we are still in the process of securing the funding to treat the windows directly which would lower heating/cooling costs)

Long Term Progress Indicator:
Long term indicators will be that the items will be better protected, and that any visible fading and damage will have slowed in progression. In addition, we should be able to monitor that costs for heating and cooling have in fact, dropped. (In progress)