
Global Migrations Project, a 501(c(3) non-profit organization based in the Pacific Northwest, was originally founded in 2023 as Western Mining Preservation (WMP). Our initial mission was to resurrect and preserve the stories of the people and places that built the Western mining frontier. We aimed to protect and preserve these historical narratives, unearth the past, educate the public, and kindle the pioneering spirit, showcasing a different way of life. Through our work at WMP, we gained a deeper understanding of the economic dynamics linked with mining booms and bust cycles, as well as the mining tradition’s effects on Indigenous communities and the environment. This realization led our CEO and Board to envision a broader mission. They saw the potential for WMP to serve a greater cause: documenting political, environmental, economic, and Indigenous migrations through film, photographs, written accounts, and oral histories.

In 2024, WMP evolved into the Global Migrations Project. Rebranding reflected our expanded mission to encompass a wider range of historical and contemporary migrations. We are committed to documenting and preserving these migrations with the full support of our constituents, our Board of Directors, and the academic community. The Global Migrations Project stands firmly against colonialism in all its forms, recognizing the harm it inflicts on cultures and the imposition of one group’s beliefs on others. We are dedicated to preserving and respecting the diverse cultural heritage of our world.
Vision
Our vision is to educate the broader community on the significance of migrations and their profound impact on peoples, communities, and the planet. We aim to:
- Emphasize the Effects of Migrations: Highlight how migrations shape and influence societies, economies, and the environment.
- Recognize, Observe, and Experience Diversity: Foster an appreciation for different ways of being, encouraging a deeper understanding of diverse cultures and histories.
- Connect Communities: Bridge gaps between disparate groups, creating a sense of unity and shared heritage.
- Link the Past with the Present: Illustrate the continuity of human experiences through migrations, demonstrating how past movements shape present realities.
- Connect With Nature and Resilient People: Cultivate a connection with the land, seas, stars, and the resilient people who have survived and thrived through migrations.



Scope
Global Migrations Project encompasses a wide range of activities to fulfill its mission of documenting and preserving the diverse histories and experiences of migrations. Our scope includes:
- Grant Writing: Securing funding through detailed and strategic proposals to support our various projects and initiatives.
- Fundraising: Engaging with donors, organizing events, and conducting campaigns to raise the necessary funds for our operations and programs.
- Constituent Management: Building and maintaining strong relationships with our supporters, partners, and the communities we serve.
- Academic Research: Conducting rigorous research to uncover and analyze the historical, social, and environmental aspects of migrations.
- Public Interest Stories: Crafting compelling narratives to engage the public and raise awareness about the significance of migrations.
- Video & Audio Interviews: Recording and preserving firsthand accounts and personal stories from individuals affected by migrations.
- Archaeological Surveys: Investigating and documenting physical evidence of historical migrations through systematic fieldwork.
- Ethnographic Field Research: Studying and documenting the cultural practices, traditions, and experiences of communities affected by migrations.
- Film Production and Documentaries: Producing high-quality films and documentaries to visually capture and share the stories of migrations with a broader audience.



Board of Directors
President
Jon Milichichi
Vice President
Mary Ryan
Archeological Advisor
Jerry Jerrems
