Purpose

 

Through ongoing development and consultation, the Living Policy for Access to and Use of Indigenous Materials was made to put in place wise practices for Indigenous peoples, researchers, staff, and board members. The Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies is committed to maintaining good, reciprocal relationships and open communication with Indigenous communities.

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Background

 

The Whyte Museum has collections connected to Indigenous cultures and the history of the Bow Valley and the Americas. This includes Indigenous living objects and Indigenous-related materials acquired by gift, purchase, or trade.

The Whyte Museum understands the importance and authority of Indigenous peoples’ protocols on their own cultural heritage. The Museum acquires, preserves, and makes collections accessible to the public, through online and in-person exhibits as well as providing tours of living objects and related materials that are not on display. The Archives and Special Collections have objects that relate to Indigenous cultural heritage. Such as photographs, film and video, sound recordings, books, maps, letters, notes, and reports. The Curatorial/Heritage department collections hold paintings, regalia, living objects, sculptures, prints, and textiles.

These materials were produced, donated, or purchased by the Whyte Museum of the Canadian Rockies founders and other donors. They were also acquired through the Whyte Museum program initiatives.

The Whyte Museum is committed to the ongoing development of protocols around the control, access, and use of Indigenous living objects and Indigenous-related materials.

It is our intention that this policy:

• Ensures that the Whyte Museum collaborates with Indigenous peoples, throughout all stages of development and execution of programs, events and exhibits. To manage protocols of care, custody, documentation, access, and interpretation of cultural heritage.

• To increase Indigenous engagement through collaborations, partnerships, hiring and enhancement of existing relationships. Ensuring Indigenous involvement in the Whyte Museums' interpretation of their cultures and histories.