The Manitoba Museum acknowledges we are on Treaty No.1 land, the ancestral lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininíwak, and Michif.
These lands, water, and waterways are the unceded territories of the Dakota, and the homeland of the Red River Métis Nation.
The Museum is committed to reflecting the continued legacy of all the original peoples of this province, including the Ithiniwak, Denesułine, Anishininiwak, Inuit, and Nakota.
We acknowledge the harms of the past, are committed to improving relationships in the spirit of truth and reconciliation, and appreciate the opportunity to live and learn on these traditional lands in mutual respect.
The Manitoba Museum is dedicated to advancing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and the articles of the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP).
In the spirit of reconciliation, cultural revitalization, and knowledge and language reclamation, the Manitoba Museum recognizes its larger commitment and responsibility to honour the unique relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Museum. This conscious recognition endeavors to support the practice and revitalization of Indigenous cultural traditions—past, present, and future.
The Passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick
Monday, September 9, 2024
We are deeply saddened by the sudden passing of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, and offer our sincerest condolences to her husband, children, grandchildren, her home community of Pimicikamak Cree Nation, and all her relations. Grand Chief Merrick offered wise counsel, immense knowledge, and warm kindness to everyone who had the honour of being in her presence. Grand Chief Merrick was a courageous warrior, a truth teller, and an advocate who never wavered in her calls for justice for Indigenous peoples.
When she was first elected in 2022, Grand Chief Merrick met with us at the Manitoba Museum to ensure we understood how to be true allies to First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities. She generously offered her guidance and support to the changes we would make and returned to sit in circle with us many times as we undertook the work of fulfilling our promises.
“Grand Chief Merrick was direct in her words about where the Museum needed to do better, she was clear about our unique responsibilities, and thoughtful in her expectations. She was also hopeful. When we last saw each other, she left me knowing the monumental tasks that were ahead of us, and that she believed we would do the work needed, that she had faith in us. To me that is who Grand Chief Merrick was, an incredible leader who demanded the world be better while dedicating every moment of her own life to making it so.” – Dorota Blumczyńska, CEO
The Manitoba Museum Board of Governors and staff grieve the loss of Grand Chief Cathy Merrick, our province’s greatest Matriarch, our most resolute Warrior, and beloved Kukum to generations.
Indigenous Advisory Circle to the Manitoba Museum
Dr. Cary Miller, Chair, Associate Vice President Indigenous: Curriculum, Scholarship, and Research, University of Manitoba, Anishinaabekwe, Wisconsin;
Elder Joe Hyslop, Past Member of Treaty Relations Council of Elders, Lac Brochet, Northlands First Nation, Denesouline;
Elder Kevin Tacan, Cultural Consultant and Educator, Brandon University, Dakota, Sioux Valley Dakota Nation;
Dr. Kyle Bobiwash, Assistant Professor and Indigenous Scholar, University of Manitoba, Mississauga First Nation;
Jaimie Isaac, Curator, Artist, Curatorial Advisor at the Art Gallery of Greater Victoria, Scholar in Residence at Seven Oaks School Division; past Chief Curator – AGGV; past Curator of Indigenous and Contemporary Art – WAG;
Sharissa Neault, Resource and Outreach Manager – The Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, Online Learning Coordinator, Manitoba Indigenous Cultural Education Centre, Fox Lake Cree Nation;
Shawna Wolfe, Policy Advisor – Fisheries and Oceans Canada, Environmental Professional, Métis.
Past Indigenous Advisory Circle (IAC) Advisors:
Dr. Darrell Racine, Assistant Professor, Brandon University, Métis, Turtle Mountain;
Fred Ford, Past President/Board Chair, Manitoba Inuit Association, Inuit;
Maxine Angoo, Services Coordinator, Tunngasugit Inuit Resource Centre, Whale Cove, Nunavut;
Sophia Rabliauskas, Teacher, Poplar River Elementary School, Anishinaabekwe, Poplar River.
Indigenous Admissions
In accordance with the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) Calls to Action and the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP), the Manitoba Museum provides Indigenous visitors complimentary access to all Museum venues.
Indigenous Complimentary Access at the Museum is in the spirit of Reconciliation, cultural revitalization, and knowledge and language reclamation as part of a larger commitment and responsibility to honour the unique relationship between Indigenous peoples and the Manitoba Museum. This conscious anti-colonial act endeavours to support the practice and revitalization of Indigenous cultural traditions, past, present, and future, and to maintain, develop and transmit to current and future generations Indigenous histories, languages, oral traditions, ceremonies, technologies, skills, philosophies, writing systems, and literature.
Economic Reconciliation
At the Manitoba Museum, we recognize that economic reconciliation is an essential part of our commitment to truth and reconciliation. We actively engage in initiatives that support Indigenous economic empowerment and foster meaningful connections with Indigenous communities.
Explore our efforts in economic reconciliation: