Indigenous Veterans of Northwestern Ontario Travelling Exhibit
Exhibit in development!
The stories of Indigenous Veterans across Turtle Island are often not fully acknowledged and many have gone untold for decades. This project seeks to change that by facilitating the creation of an ever evolving and growing travelling exhibit that celebrates the stories and lives of Indigenous Veterans in Northwestern Ontario. This Project will allow for these important stories and lived experiences to be documented and shared in the spirit of openness, reconciliation, and education.
This project is a growing partnership between cultural and educational institutions across Northwestern Ontario (NWO) who together, are facilitating the creation of a travelling exhibit focused on the history and stories of Indigenous Veterans. This innovative project, supported by the Museums Assistance Program (MAP) and the Future Generations Foundation (FGF), aims to establish lasting partnerships with Indigenous communities and organizations to collectively document and share the untold stories of Indigenous veterans across NWO.
The Project Team is looking to collaborate with Indigenous communities, individuals, and organizations interested in sharing their stories or helping to guide the creation of the exhibit.
The project is led by the Thunder Bay Historical Museum Society, and includes a variety of partners, including the Indigenous Initiatives departments from Lakehead and Confederation College, Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung Historical Centre, and museums across NWO (the Kenora Museum, Fort Frances Museum, Dryden Museum, Atikokan Museum)
Key members include:
- Kayleigh Speirs, InterGroup Consultants: Project Manager (Co-curator of the original exhibit that inspired this one)
- Anna Chief, Director of Indigenous Initiatives, Confederation College: Community engagement, relationship building, and exhibit travel support
- Stacey Pawluk, Administration & Programs Officer, Indigenous Initiatives, Lakehead University: Project support and coordination, relationship building
- Jessie Richard, Kay-Nah-Chi-Wah-Nung: Research, Community Engagement, and Curriculum Development
- Michael deJong, Thunder Bay Museum: Project coordination, Research and Interpretive Elements
- Jessica Stacey, Thunder Bay Museum: Exhibit Design and Coordination
- David M. Thompson: Research Developer (conducted research project and created website with information on Indigenous Veterans in Northwestern Ontario that will be incorporated in the exhibit)
Questions or want to get involved? Find us on Facebook or Email us at: [email protected]
