Background
The Canadian Canoe Museum, located on the Traditional Territory of the Williams Treaties First Nations, in Peterborough, Ontario, stewards the world’s largest collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft. More than 600 in number and with a significant representation of Indigenous canoe cultures from across Canada and around the world, the watercraft and their stories have a pivotal role to play in understanding our past – and our collective future. Each year thousands of visitors from across the world visit the Museum, both virtually and in person, to explore the histories of Canada through the lens of the canoe and kayak.
The Museum is at a critical juncture in its history. As a part of our responsibility for this cultural asset of national significance (Senate of Canada, 2013), we are building a new home that aspires to be as innovative as the canoe itself. A new, purpose-built facility on the water, with an array of indoor and outdoor spaces, will allow the Museum to deliver on its mission in ways that, right now, it can only imagine.
Before us is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create new exhibits and honour the cultural histories and stories within the collection. To fulfil the Museum’s commitment to learning from Indigenous Peoples, who designed, built and used the first canoes and kayaks throughout Turtle Island (Canada), we are working to strengthen and establish reciprocal relationships as we seek to partner with Indigenous Peoples to share their stories.
To make all this possible, we are also engaged in a major fundraising campaign across the country, raising support and funds as we inspire Canada by canoe.
Guiding this work alongside staff is the Museum’s volunteer Board of Directors, drawn from across Canada, and the board’s four standing committees focused on Collections, Finance, Governance and Philanthropy; each playing a critical role in helping to steer the organization.
Be a Part of History in the Making
Our Governance and Nominating Committee seeks individuals from across Canada interested in contributing to the museum’s work in one or more of the following areas:
- Not-for-profit governance and stewardship
- Museum development and collection stewardship
- Collaborative relations with Indigenous Peoples and communities
- Legal and financial oversight
- Philanthropy and fundraising
We are committed to being an inclusive community that brings together different cultures, backgrounds and viewpoints from across Canada. We welcome and encourage applicants from visible minority groups, Indigenous Peoples, and persons with disabilities.
The Museum is physically located in Peterborough, Ontario and we are committed to having a national representation of the board and committee structure. Applications are encouraged from individuals resident in other Provinces, Territories and other parts of Ontario. The Museum uses technology to facilitate virtual meetings of both the Board and its Committees.
Applicants will be considered for both board and committee appointments, unless the applicant indicates otherwise.
Appointments will be considered in early 2022 and made at the time of the museum’s 2022 Annual General Meeting in late April. Appointments are for an initial two-year term and can be renewed.
How to Apply
We encourage applicants from a wide diversity of perspectives and backgrounds. Let us know how you can make a contribution to our mission and activities!
Interested candidates should send a summary of their experience and expression of interest to Kate Kennington by email ([email protected]).
Deadline: December 24th, 2021
For further background information, please consult the following pages on our website: