Background

The Canadian Canoe Museum 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 history of Canada by canoe.

Currently, the museum is at a critical juncture in its history. As stewards of this cultural asset of national significance, we are in the process of building it a new home at the water’s edge.

Before us is the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to create new exhibits and honour the cultural histories and stories within the collection. As part of 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 deepen, strengthen and establish reciprocal relationships as we invite Indigenous Peoples to share their stories in their own voices.

To make all this possible, we have also been 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 Collection, Philanthropy, Governance and Finance; 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
  • Visitor engagement and educational programming
  • Legal and financial oversight
  • Philanthropy and fundraising

Applicants will be considered for both board and committee appointments unless the applicant indicates otherwise.

Appointments will be considered in early 2021 and made at the time of the museum’s 2021 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: January 29th, 2021

For further background information, please consult the following pages on our website:

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