CMA Outstanding Achievement
Social Impact
The CMA Outsdanding Achievement in Social Impact Award recognizes the significant contribution of a museum in advocating for the advancement of an important social cause such as reconciliation, sustainable development, climate action, better standards of living together, inclusiveness, wellness, etc.
Winner
Honourable mention
MONOVA — North Vancouver Museum & Archives
Laurel Lawry, Main Exhibit Gallery
MONOVA signed memoranda of collaboration with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh and Səl̓ílwətaɬ Nations, and established an Indigenous advisory committee to guide and develop the new museum. “Thanks to the courage of the Museum, First Nations and Friends, we are finally in the same canoe and moving forward on the journey of reconciliation,” says MONOVA policy and practices advisor Latash Maurice Nahanee.
A sense of geographical place is weaved through the Main Exhibit Gallery through inclusive storytelling by Indigenous voices, all rooted in Indigenous ways of knowing and First Peoples’ Principles of Learning. Educational and public programs were conceived and are delivered by local Nation members, including tours in Sḵwx̱wú7mesh sníchim for Squamish-language speakers and students. A Coast Salish Traditional Garden project is under the direction of Coast Salish ethnobotanists and elders, and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) art is throughout gallery spaces.
“We’re delighted to receive this award from the Canadian Museum Association. MONOVA’s Main Exhibit Gallery explores connections to the land and how people interact with it. Indigenous stories centred in the Coast Salish Welcome Circle weave throughout the museum, providing respectful spaces for authentic Indigenous Cultural programs to be shared.”– Laurel Lawry, Acting Director
Individuals affiliated to the project
- MONOVA's Indigenous Voices Advisory Committee
- Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) and Səl̓ílwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nation representatives
- Coast Salish Content Advisors Chief Janice George and Carleen Thomas
- Kei Space Design
- MONOVA: Museum and Archives staff
Honourable mention
Canadian Museum for Human Rights
Digital Witness Blanket
Witnessblanket.ca shares stories of the Witness Blanket, the work of art made by Kwakwaka’wakw artist Carey Newman (Hayalthkin’geme) as a national monument to recognize atrocities of residential schools and symbolize reconciliation. Users explore stories in video testimony from survivors, and teachers can access a resource guide to bring education about residential schools to all students.
“We are thrilled and grateful to receive this acknowledgement. This project offers a case study on decolonizing approaches through inclusive UI/UX, education, and content design. This recognition is a testament to inclusive relationships and working alongside community, and inspires us to continue creating positive social change.”– Louise Waldman, Director, Public Affairs
Individuals affiliated to the project
This website is a collaborative project involving Carey Newman, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Media One and Animikii Indigenous Technology. From the beginning of this project, the team committed to centering Survivors' voices, experiences and needs. The National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation Survivors Circle provided invaluable leadership and guidance on this project’s structure, content, and overall approach. Many thanks to Eugene Arcand, Garnet Angeconeb, Lila Bruyere, Edna Elias, Maata Evaluardjuk-Palmer, Wabdi Wakita, and Phyllis Webstad. Robert Greene, the Museum’s Elder-in-residence, is a constant source of guidance and support, and the team is grateful for his help.
Publicity
