Canadian Heritage Announces Support for CMA Reconciliation Program

Ottawa, April 16, 2019

Karen Bachmann, president of the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) is pleased to announce the support of Canadian Heritage – through the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) – for the CMA Reconciliation Program.

The project has its roots in the Truth and Reconciliation Call to Action 67: “We call upon the federal government to provide funding to the Canadian Museums Association to undertake, in collaboration with Aboriginal peoples, a national review of museum policies and best practices to determine the level of compliance with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People and to make recommendations” (TRC page 252).

“We thank Minister Rodriguez and the Government of Canada for their vote of confidence and on-going support. These funds will assist the CMA and its members to work in collaboration with Indigenous peoples for a national review of museum policies and best practices. This critical work will inspire the development of key recommendations as we move forward,” says Bachmann.

“In 2015 the Canadian Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), in line with the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP) , brought forward the important role that cultural and heritage institutions have to play in the reconciliation process and names museums and museum associations as essential agents of change”, says key proposal contributor, Dr. Sarah Pashagumskum. Dr. Pashagumskum is a member of the CMA Reconciliation Program Council, CMA Board Member and CEO of Aanischaaukamikw, the regional Cree Cultural Institute in northern Quebec.

“In our interconnected world, museums have become ever more essential to the preservation of cultural diversity and appreciation”, says Dr. Vanda Vitali, recently appointed Executive Director of the CMA. “I look forward to working with the CMA Reconciliation Council as they embark on this ambitious, comprehensive and inclusive process.”

To learn more, visit: www.museums.ca/site/reconciliation.

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About the CMA:
The Canadian Museums Association is the national organization for the advancement of Canada’s museum community. The CMA works for the recognition, growth and stability of the sector. Canada’s 2,600 museums and related institutions preserve our collective memory, shape our national identity and promote tolerance and understanding.

The CMA Reconciliation Project Council – a 15-member representative, cohesive and influential team of experts in indigenous culture and museum practices – will oversee a comprehensive and inclusive process of consultation and information gathering.

The CMA Secretariat is currently located on traditional unceded Algonquin territory. The CMA extends sincere appreciation for the opportunity to live and learn on this territory in mutual respect and gratitude.

Contact:
Elizabeth McCrea
Media Relations
emccrea@museums.ca
613-410-1199

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