Working with Indigenous Peoples
Indigenous Peoples around the world designed, built, and used the first canoes and kayaks. The canoe embodies Indigenous cultural memory – and is a living cultural object with both historical and contemporary relevance. As part of exhibition development, collection care, and community engagement, The Canadian Canoe Museum works alongside Indigenous Peoples to share stories and care for the collection in a good way.
Part of this journey has involved sharing authority for the research, documentation and representation of Indigenous cultures while acknowledging the lasting impacts of colonization.
The exhibit development process supports the Museum’s strategic plan and its Principles for Engaging and Consulting with FNMI Communities.
The Museum supports the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action.
“At this time in Canada, we are beginning a process for Truth and Reconciliation. Together, we need to learn, understand and acknowledge our shared history. We can’t do that without first knowing and understanding the impact of the canoe in Canada’s story, from those very early times when the first visitors came to our shores. The Canadian Canoe Museum provides us with an opportunity to learn, to feel, to smell, and to see the canoe in its diversity and endurance.”
Victoria Grant, Teme-Augama Anishnabai Qway
Past Chair, Canadian Canoe Museum Board; CCM National Council Member; Past Chair, Community Foundations of Canada
Learn more about how The Canadian Canoe Museum is working with Indigenous Peoples
Caring for Indigenous Collections
The Canadian Canoe Museum supports and prioritizes the accessibility of collections and cultural belongings to Indigenous Peoples.
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The Exhibits
Through a variety of engaging and inspiring means, these exhibits honour Indigenous knowledges, cultures, histories and ingenuity.
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Repatriation Policy
As part of engaging with Indigenous communities and taking forward its responsibilities to them, The Canadian Canoe Museum recognizes that repatriation claims may arise.
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Indigenous Languages Program
We are ensuring voices and languages from Indigenous communities are seen and heard throughout the Museum and exhibits as part of the Indigenous Languages Program supported by TD Bank Group through the TD Ready Commitment.
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Our Logo
The Canadian Canoe Museum has worked closely with Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg knowledge holders to translate the Museum’s name into Anishnaabemowin, the language of the territory, lands and waters on which the Museum is situated.
Learn moreFor further information, please contact:
Jeremy Ward, Curator
[email protected]
