Ugoma Smoke
I am a Research Assistant in Native and Indigenous Archives and Linked Data, based in Fayetteville, AR. I’m married and a proud parent to a young son. Outside of work, I enjoy baking pizzeria-themed foods, crafting unique ice cream creations, and spending quality time with my family. My passion lies in preserving Indigenous histories and connecting communities with their heritage for future generations
My Story
Born in Cleveland, Ohio, with family roots in Chattanooga, Tennessee, a region steeped in the rich histories of African American and Indigenous communities, I’ve built a career centered on preserving the histories, voices, and legacies of diverse groups. My passion lies in connecting individuals and families with their past to help enrich their future, driven by a deep commitment to preserving cultural heritage through research, archives, and digital innovation.
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Experience Overview:
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Research: Nearly 9 years of experience conducting historical and genealogical research, specializing in uncovering family histories and connecting individuals with their cultural roots. My work includes supporting Indigenous communities and preserving oral histories.
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Libraries: Over 9 years of library experience, where I’ve worked in roles such as Metadata Specialist and Local History Library Assistant. My responsibilities have included managing historical collections, supporting public access to information, and promoting community engagement with library resources.
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Archives: My archival expertise spans digital preservation, metadata management, and content organization. As an Archival Consultant and a participant in projects like IndigenizeSNAC, I’ve focused on preserving the histories of Indigenous and underserved communities.
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Cultural Anthropology: My work often intersects with cultural anthropology, promoting Indigenous language revitalization, and engaging with diverse cultural narratives.
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Web Design: With over 8 years of experience using Wix, Squarespace, WordPress, Canva, and other platforms, I’ve developed user-friendly websites that tell a story.
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Passion and Commitment:
At the heart of my career is a dedication to empowering communities to access their heritage. As a researcher, I aim to bridge gaps in knowledge, helping families uncover their histories while preserving records for future generations. My work with Indigenous communities, genealogical projects, and digital archives highlights my commitment to ensuring that all voices are preserved and celebrated.
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Relevant Work Experience:
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Research Assistant in Native and Indigenous Archives and Linked Data: Collaborating on innovative projects to enhance the accessibility of Indigenous records.
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Metadata Specialist at Stride (K-12): Linking educational materials to cultural resources and managing metadata for digital collections.
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Local History Library Assistant at Thomas J. Harrison Pryor Public Library: Supporting genealogical research and curating local history materials within Cherokee Nation.
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Access Services Librarian: Supervising library services and creating workflows to enhance resource accessibility.
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Through this combination of research expertise, library and archival work, and digital tools, I aim to continue bridging past and future, ensuring that every story has its place in history.