Moved to Action Update

Stephanie Danyluk

Our work to support Indigenous self-determination in museums does not end with the release of the Moved to Action report. Over the past few months, we continue to hear feedback from many of you: some excitement, some trepidation for what the report outlines as the work that lies ahead for museums.

In response to concerns about the lack of capacity and resources to action the recommendations, we have released toolkit resources, which offer a starting point for untangling institutions from their colonial legacy in the areas of governance, operations, engagement and repatriation.

We are also thinking about what the role for the CMA is in supporting this work into the future. How can we ensure the work is Indigenous-led, supportive, and responsive?

The 2023 CMA National conference held February 27 & 28, continued the conversation started in the report. Also entitled Moved to Action, the conference sought to centre and highlight Indigenous experts in our sector. We took this opportunity to listen. As we heard from Meranda Roberts, “Decolonization is a long set of processes of untangling and decolonizing ourselves.” We also heard John Hampton reflect that “Indigenous peoples coming into institutions are encouraged to replicate that entitlement and speak for others.”

On February 27, the Minister of Canadian Heritage Pablo Rodriguez announced $102,000 in funding for the project, Moved to Action: Supporting UNDRIP Implementation in Canadian Museums. Over the next year, this will help the Canadian Museums Association fulfill some recommendations in the report, including creating additional resources for museum professionals, creating a network pilot program and developing resources to support repatriation.

Specifically over the next few months, alongside of Indigenous leaders in the sector, we will be taking meaningful steps to support national repatriation initiatives. We will also continue conversations on Indigenous peer network support that began at our conference with another Indigenous Museum Professionals Networking session in April. Outreach to museum studies programs regarding educational resources will also take place. All this occurs with the continued advisement of the CMA Reconciliation Council.

As we move together into the next phase of Moved to Action, we ask that you consider how the words of Roberts and Hampton apply to the operations and governance of museums, alongside the words said by Taa.uu ‘Yuuwans Nika Collison in her conference keynote address:

“Reconciliation begins at home. It begins with decolonization: in your head, heart and spirit. It involves pursuing knowledge, pursuing the truth, and affording acceptance. For dominant, mainstream, colonial societies, this means coming with genuine empathy and intent; without prejudice, defensiveness or impatience ...

Know UNDRIP and the TRC Calls for Action. Know our shared history, and the real history of Canada. Find your grief, give us space to have ours.”

The above quotations are from the 2023 CMA National Conference Keynote address provided by Taa.uu ‘Yuuwans Nika Collison. M

Stephanie Danyluk is the Reconciliation Manager with the CMA, supporting the work to respond to TRC #67 and promote Indigenous self-determination in museum and heritage spaces.