The federal department will hire a number of Indigenous Canadian advisors to help rewrite Canada’s 1990 Museum Policy to promote “equity, diversity and inclusion,” according to the report.
“Recognizing the unique challenges and perspectives of Indigenous peoples related to heritage and the historically colonized museum sector, this contract seeks to collect observations and recommendations on issues related to Indigenous heritage. is intended,” the Canadian Heritage Agency wrote in a January 11 notice.to contractors acquired by black rock reporter.
The department has set a budget for future consultations of $75,000, and says Indigenous advisors will be paid $100 per hour.
“Advisory services are provided primarily to elders, holders of knowledge, or holders of wisdom, as appropriate, for participation in interviews, meetings, focus groups or equivalent, and for preparation time at the following rates: We get paid at $100 an hour,” the department said.
The notice, entitled “Involvement of Indigenous Partners in Renewing Canada’s Museum Policy,” states that Canada’s “colonial past” has helped Aboriginal, Inuit, and Métis peoples to distinguish themselves from Canadians. and therefore needs its own historical representation. .
“Canada’s colonial history and assimilation efforts, including museums, have influenced the cultures, languages, and heritage of Indigenous peoples,” reads the notice.
Engagement with Indigenous Advisors will focus primarily on the role museums play in society, the resilience and sustainability of the heritage sector, the preservation and access of collections, and the promotion of equity, diversity and inclusion.
“Findings and reports from contractors will be used to inform museum policy updates.”
historical review
Parks Canada, in its 2019 Framework for History and Commemoration, identified the many ways the federal government aims to increase historical representation of Indigenous Peoples and “confront the legacy of colonialism” in Canadian history. outlined.
“The Canadian government is unwavering in its commitment to reconciliation with indigenous peoples,” wrote then-Minister of the Environment Catherine McKenna. federal plan.
“Parks Canada is uniquely positioned to advance reconciliation and confront the legacy of colonialism.”
The plan also encourages historians to take a “bold approach” to Canadian history, which includes addressing “controversial topics.”
The plan also allows the federal government to Historic Sites and Monuments Commission (HSMBC) recommends that the Minister responsible for Canada’s National Parks commemorate specific persons, places and events deemed to be of national historical importance, but not “existing designations and their plaques”. A careful review of the text was carried out. They were still in line with the current historical “point of view”.
“Views and interpretations of Canadian history have changed significantly over the past century. Some designations and their commemorative plaques do not reflect what is known or important about the country’s history today. , contains dated or non-sensitive content.” Parks Canada documents Entitled “Review of existing designations”.
As of August, HSMBC had no links to “colonial” ties, use of “offensive language”, “exclusion of indigenous peoples”, or “controversial views”.
The list included historical figures such as Alexander Graham Bell and Jacques Cartier.
Peter Wilson is a reporter based in Ontario, Canada.