Finding a way to properly celebrate the experiences, stories and wisdom of Indigenous Peoples in Canadian museums is crucial to our journey toward reconciliation.
Today, the Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez appeared in a pre-recorded video shown at the Canadian Museums Association's national conference. The 2023 conference was inspired by the Canadian Museums Association's recent report, Moved to Action: Activating UNDRIP in Canadian Museums. The report is a direct response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada's Call to Action #67, which required the Canadian Museums Association to review museum policies and best practices, in collaboration with First Nations, Inuit and Metis communities. The goal is to determine the level of compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
Minister Rodriguez announced $102,000 in funding for the project, Moved to Action: Supporting UNDRIP Implementation in Canadian Museums. This Museums Assistance Program investment will help Canadian museums work towards fulfilling some recommendations in the report, including establishing an education program for museum professionals, creating a network pilot program and developing repatriation resources.
The minister also welcomed Janis Kahentóktha Monture as she begins her role as Executive Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Canadian Museum Association. She is a member of the Mohawk Nation, Turtle Clan from Six Nations of the Grand River and the first Indigenous executive director in the association's 76-year history.
