Visitor Experience Associate

Applications accepted until April 30, 2024.

Visitor Experience Associate

Division: Marketing, Sales & Visitor Experience
Department: Visitor Services
Position Type: Part-Time, term to September 2, 2024
Closing Date: April 30, 2024

 

Organization Summary:

The Manitoba Museum is the province’s largest award-winning heritage and science centre. It is unique in its combination of human and natural history themes and renowned for its vivid portrayal of Manitoba’s rich and colourful history, Planetarium shows, and Science Gallery exhibits. The Museum features immersive dioramas, multi-dimensional interpretation, science and astronomy education, and quality school and community programs. The Museum protects over 2.8 million artifacts and specimens in its collections, including the Hudson’s Bay Company Museum Collection.

 

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Visitor Experience Supervisor, the Visitor Experience Associate is an outgoing and sales-oriented individual with strong customer service and organization skills. This key front-line position is the first point of contact for many Museum visitors and is responsible for processing admission, membership, and merchandise sales promptly, as well as, creating a positive visitor experience. The Associate provides visitor assistance and direction throughout the public areas of the Manitoba Museum including the Box Office, Reception Desk, Planetarium entrance, Museum Shop, and visitor amenities, as well as, works in close collaboration with the Membership & Data Coordinator. The Associate must exercise professionalism, initiative, and sound judgment enthusiastically when working with internal and external customers. Fluency in both official languages is considered an asset.

Salary/Rate:

The wage for this position is $16.36 per hour.

 

Conditions of Employment:

  • Child Abuse Registry Check
  • Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check

 

Applications will be accepted until April 30, 2024 or until this position is filled. If you are interested in this opportunity, please submit a resume including a cover letter and schedule availability to:

Manager of Volunteer & Employee Relations
Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba
Canada R3B 0N2
HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca
Fax: 204-942-3679

 

The Manitoba Museum is committed to inclusion and employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. The Manitoba Museum recognizes the importance of building a workforce reflective of the visitors it serves. Therefore, the Manitoba Museum supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities). 

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this position. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. All applicants are encouraged to self-identify if they are members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities) in their application. 

 This document is available in other formats and accommodations will be provided throughout the selection process upon request.  Contact Human Resources at 204-956-2830 if you have an accommodation request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted. We are not able to acknowledge receipt of applications submitted via Fax or mail.

Pay Group: 2

General

Reporting to the Visitor Experience Supervisor, the Visitor Experience Associate is an outgoing and sales-oriented individual with strong customer service and organization skills. This key front-line position is the first point of contact for many Museum visitors and is responsible for processing admission, Membership, and Shop merchandise sales promptly, as well as, creating a positive visitor experience. The Associate provides visitor assistance and direction throughout the public areas of the Manitoba Museum including the Box Office, Museum Shop, Planetarium entrance, and visitor amenities, as well as, and works in close collaboration with the Membership Coordinator in respect of Membership sales and the Shop Merchandiser/Buyer in respect to Shop sales. In addition, this position provides logistical support and bartending services for internal events. The Associate must exercise professionalism, initiative, and sound judgment enthusiastically when working with internal and external customers. Fluency in both official languages is considered an asset.

Criminal record, vulnerable sector and child abuse registry checks will be required of the successful candidate.

Key Accountabilities & Typical Duties:

Priority 1: Facilitate a Positive Visitor Experience (40%)

To facilitate a positive experience for all visitors and internal and external customers to encourage repeat visits and Museum loyalty (membership).

  1. Maintain a constant staff presence in the appropriate public areas, provide crowd supervision, and greet and engage the general public, Members, school groups, and group tours in a positive enthusiastic manner.
  2. Assist in maintaining excellent housekeeping standards in frontline line areas at all times – including ensuring workspaces and visitor amenities are well-stocked and accurate signage is visible to visitors.
  3. Respond to inquiries in person, over the phone, and through email by following proper Museum procedures and communication etiquette.
  4. Respond to and resolve visitor inquiries, calling upon the appropriate Supervisor/Manager as needed.
  5. Usher and supervise visitors in the Planetarium Theatre, open/close theatre doors in between shows, and examine and scan tickets and Membership cards for entry using the ticket scanners.
  6. Make public and Planetarium show announcements over the loudspeaker.
  7. Stay up to date on Museum events, promotions, and procedures to inform and assist visitors.
  8. Provide general information and direction to visitors about other tourist attractions in Manitoba.
  9. Assist in providing instructions, assistance, and guidance to visitors in the event of an emergency.
  10. Communicate malfunctioning equipment to the appropriate Supervisor/Manager.

 

Priority 2: Process Box Office & Museum Shop Sales (40%)

To process admission, Membership, and Shop merchandise sales in a timely and accurate manner with the goal of increased sales.

  1. Conduct opening and closing procedures on cash registers, prepare bank coin orders, reconcile daily records for cash-outs, and prepare daily deposits.
  2. Maintain a high accuracy rate by entering customer details into the database, processing various payment/paperwork forms with efficiency, and following proper payment handling procedures.
  3. Process Box Office admission sales to all permanent venues and temporary exhibitions including control and maintenance of payments using Tessitura and SalesVu Point-of-Sale (POS) hardware and software.
  4. Use appropriate selling techniques to engage visitors in Shop products, process sales and perform inventory control management (pricing, merchandising, and invoicing), as well as, the control and maintenance of payments using Counterpoint and Point-of-Sale (POS) hardware and software.
  5. Tactfully up-sell admission tickets to memberships and recommend additional sales options to visitors such as Shop products and special events or programs dependent on visitor needs to maximize revenue per transaction.

 

Priority 3: Support of Department and Organization (15%)

To provide support within the Visitor & Member Services department, as well as, for various Museum departments to assist in the organization’s ability to function more effectively.

  1. Visitor & Member Services: Checking reception voicemails/emails and calling in other Visitor Services Associates on days a Supervisor/Manager is not scheduled to work, accepting deliveries at the front desk, and preparing Membership letter mailings.
  2. Programs/ Rentals/Events:
    1. Processing customer payments at the Box Office ensuring that all internal procedures are properly followed.
    2. Provide logistical support and services for Museum internal events, including setup and takedown of equipment/ bar; bartending using the shop point of sale system; and troubleshooting as required.
    3. Assist caterer and other outside vendors during rentals, including liaising between client and caterer during the event; and clean up at end of the event.
  3. Volunteer Services: Assist with the training and supervision of volunteers in the Museum Shop.
  4. Marketing: Assist with visitor feedback surveys/contests and flyer distribution preparation as required.

 

Priority 4: Other

To provide support to other staff members with other duties as reasonably assigned.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Education, Training and Experience

  1. Completion of high school diploma,
  2. Minimum one year of experience in a retail/sales work environment using a Point-of-Sale (POS) system,
  3. Minimum one year of experience handling/accounting for various forms of payment, or,
  4. An equivalent combination of education and experience,
  5. Experience working in a museum or non-profit organization is considered an asset,
  6. Experience working in a unionized environment is considered an asset,
  7. Smart Choices Certificate is considered an asset.

 

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

  1. An enthusiastic and friendly manner with a genuine desire to provide outstanding customer service,
  2. Effective written/oral communication, interpersonal, organization, and mathematical skills,
  3. Demonstrated ability to engage effectively with culturally diverse audiences/audiences of varying age,
  4. Demonstrated understanding of retail sales principles, customer service practices, and ability to recognize and capitalize on sales opportunities,
  5. Basic cash handling skills and understanding of security practices in a sales environment,
  6. Demonstrated knowledge and skill in Microsoft Office and Windows applications,
  7. Ability to multi-task, work as part of a team, and take initiative independent of direct supervision,
  8. Ability to creatively problem solve and work under pressure to meet tight deadlines,
  9. Ability to remain calm in stressful situations and be flexible to last-minute requests,
  10. Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the requirements of proper business demeanour, including professionalism, conscientiousness, reliability, punctual attendance, and appropriate time management,
  11. Fluency in French and/or an alternative language is considered an asset,
  12. Experience in maintaining accurate database records and merchandising displays is considered an asset,
  13. Experience working with and managing volunteers is considered an asset.

 

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

The physical demands and work environment described here are representative of what an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position:

  1. Ability to exert up to 10lbs of force and occasionally lift/move objects up to 30lbs, such as boxes,
  2. Ability to sit and/or stand for at least 2 consecutive hours,
  3. May occasionally involve stooping, kneeling, bending, crouching/squatting, pushing/pulling, reaching above the shoulders, and climbing ladders,
  4. Operation of standard office equipment is required (i.e. phone, computer, copier, etc.),
  5. Day-to-day moderate noise in open setting; exposure to loud noise may occur due to large groups or special events.

 

Conditions of Employment

  1. Must be available to work 3-5 shifts per week during the Museum’s regular operating hours including weekdays, weekends, and holidays.
  2. Must be available to occasionally work late evenings, early mornings, and split shifts as required.
  3. Clear Child Abuse Registry Check and Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check.

This is a part-time term position beginning as soon as possible to September 2, 2024. Fluency in both official languages is an asset. The incumbent will report to the Visitor Experience Supervisor. The pay is $16.36 per hour. Availability for weekend (Saturday & Sunday), weekday, and occasional evening shifts is essential. Applications will be received until 4:30 pm on April 30, 2024.

 

Please submit your resume including a cover letter and schedule availability to:

Manager of Volunteer & Employee Relations
The Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0N2
HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca
Fax: 942-3679

 

The Manitoba Museum is committed to inclusion and employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. The Manitoba Museum recognizes the importance of building a workforce reflective of the visitors it serves. Therefore, the Manitoba Museum supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities). 

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this position. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. All applicants are encouraged to self-identify if they are members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities) in their application. 

This document is available in other formats and accommodations will be provided throughout the selection process upon request.  Contact Human Resources at 204-956-2830 if you have an accommodation request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted. We are not able to acknowledge receipt of applications submitted via Fax or mail.

Indigenous Learning Facilitator – Young Canada Works Program

Division: Learning & Engagement
Department: Learning & Engagement, Museum Galleries
Position Type: Part-Time Temporary Term: May 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025
Closing Date: April 26, 2024 at 4:30 pm

 

The Manitoba Museum places a pivotal role in showcasing the rich heritage and natural wonders of our region. Our collections are encyclopedic in scope, encompassing both cultural artifacts and scientific specimens. The Museum strives to conserve collect and share knowledge, while encouraging intercultural dialogue and understanding within our communities. Through innovative, perspective-changing programs, the Museum is creating platforms for critical conversations, showcasing diverse perspectives and promoting inclusivity within our society. As the Museum moves forward with the hope to serve our communities, we are seeking an Indigenous Learning Facilitator to work in the Learning and Engagement Department.

The Learning and Engagement Department is made up of a dedicated team of professionals that design and deliver innovative programs that bring history and culture of Manitoba to life, creating unforgettable experiences for our visitors.

As the Indigenous Learning Facilitator, you will play a pivotal role in the Learning & Engagement Department, working with a dedicated team committed to creating dynamic programs that bring history and culture to life. Under the direction of the Head of Indigenous Programming and Engagement, you will work to understand and share knowledge of Indigenous content in exhibits, and assist in developing and delivering engaging interpretive programs with a specific focus on Indigenous cultures for all Museum audiences.

Your responsibilities will extend to supporting community outreach initiatives, being a part of meaningful connections with Indigenous communities, and assisting in the coordination and delivery of programs and events. This internship offers a unique opportunity for professional development, including mentorship and ongoing learning experiences.

To thrive in this role, you should have a diploma in Indigenous Studies, Education, Museum Studies, or a related field, lived experience, demonstrating cultural competency, and a genuine passion for promoting Indigenous perspectives. Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, and the ability to work collaboratively in a team are essential.

The location of the job is Winnipeg and it is a part-time temporary position commencing May 1, 2024 continuing until March 31, 2025. The incumbent will report to the Head of Indigenous Programming and Engagement. Pay is $18.46 per hour, working to a maximum of 30 hours per week. Applicants must qualify under the Young Canada Works at Building Careers in Heritage graduate internship program (YCW-BCH) program (see www.youngcanadaworks.ca).

The Manitoba Museum welcomes diversity in the workplace and encourages applications from all qualified Canadian students, including Indigenous peoples and members of visible minorities. Due to the nature of the work and workplace, the successful candidate must be able to lift and carry objects weighing up to 18 kilograms.

 

Application deadline: April 26, 2024. Submit resumes to:

Manager of Volunteer & Employee Relations
The Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0N2
HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca

General

Reporting to the Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement, the successful candidate will be an enthusiastic and culturally engaged individual, possessing a distinctive blend of educational qualifications, interpersonal abilities, and a dedication to nurturing Indigenous representation and comprehension within cultural institutions.

Key Accountabilities & Typical Duties:

Priority 1: Interpretive Ambassador (55%)

To cultivate a positive visitor experience with a focus on Indigenous perspectives, engage visitors proactively, and ensure safe, educational, and orderly interaction with Museum exhibits and programs.

  1. Deliver booked interpretive programs, with a particular emphasis on Indigenous culture, for the institution’s school and general public audience as per the daily schedule.
  2. Execute all ongoing functions related to program operation, ensuring the incorporation of Indigenous narratives and perspectives.
  3. Respond to inquiries from the general public, offering information on all Museum programs, exhibits, and activities, with a keen emphasis on Indigenous contributions.
  4. Acquire and disseminate pertinent information on departmental programs, permanent galleries, and temporary exhibits, placing special emphasis on Indigenous content.

 

Priority 2: Indigenous Program Maintenance (15%)

To contribute to the smooth functioning of Museum programs and exhibits, with a particular focus on those that highlight Indigenous heritage.

  1. Set up and take down furniture, equipment, specimens, artifacts, and other program materials, ensuring Indigenous artifacts are handled with cultural sensitivity.
  2. Operate A/V equipment daily in accordance with scheduled programs, integrating Indigenous themes and narratives.
  3. Maintain sufficient inventory for specific programs, paying special attention to Indigenous-related materials.
  4. Undertake other duties as reasonably assigned with a commitment to promoting Indigenous representation in the Museum.

 

Priority 3: Visitor Service (10%)

To provide support for volunteers and front-line staff ensuring a quality visitor experience with a focus on Indigenous inclusivity.

  1. Support staff, interns, and volunteers with visitor service emphasizing Indigenous cultural awareness.
  2. On weekends, schedule and supervise volunteers to ensure optimum program and exhibit coverage, reporting on volunteer attendance and addressing any issues to managers.
  3. Support and liaise with rental staff for special events, ensuring Indigenous cultural considerations are integrated.
  4. Offer feedback and input to other staff regarding the Museum’s programs, exhibits, and activities, with a focus on enhancing Indigenous representation.
  5. Support research on program content, liaising with Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement for program content related to Indigenous cultures as needed.

 

Priority 4: Other

Other duties as reasonably assigned, with a commitment to advancing Indigenous representation and understanding within the Museum program delivery.

Minimum Required Qualifications:

Skills, Abilities and Knowledge

  1. A strong understanding and appreciation of Indigenous cultures, histories, and contemporary issues based on lived experience.
  2. Excellent communication and writing skills with the ability to convey information in an engaging and accessible manner.
  3. Experience in events, workshops, or educational programs.
  4. Understanding of museological trends in learning, outreach, and engagement.
  5. Foundational understanding of museum collections care procedures.
  6. Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and the ability to quickly learn and navigate relevant software. Any experience with gamification and coding would be an asset.

 

Education, Training, and Experience

  1. A diploma in Indigenous Studies, Education, Museum Studies, or a related field. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
  2. At least one year experience in a similar position, i.e. facilitating events, workshops, or educational programs.

 

This position is funded through the Young Canada Works program. Applicants must qualify under the Young Canada Works Student program (www.youngcanadaworks.ca).

This is a part-time temporary position from May 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025. The incumbent will report to the Head of Indigenous Programming & Engagement. The hourly wage is $18.46, plus 6% vacation pay.

Please submit your resume and cover letter by 4:30 pm on April 26, 2024 to:

 

Manager of Volunteer & Employee Relations
The Manitoba Museum
190 Rupert Avenue
Winnipeg, Manitoba R3B 0N2
HR@ManitobaMuseum.ca
Fax: 942-3679

 

The Manitoba Museum is committed to inclusion and employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. The Manitoba Museum recognizes the importance of building a workforce reflective of the visitors it serves. Therefore, the Manitoba Museum supports equitable employment practices and promotes representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities).

Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this position. Consideration will be given to Indigenous people, visible minorities and persons with disabilities. All applicants are encouraged to self-identify if they are members of the designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities) in their application.

 This document is available in other formats and accommodations will be provided throughout the selection process upon request. Contact Human Resources at 204-956-2830 if you have an accommodation request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those being considered for interviews will be contacted. We are not able to acknowledge receipt of applications submitted via Fax or mail.

Make Every Day Earth Day! 

By Mika Pineda, Learning & Engagement Producer for Youth Climate Action.  

Every year on April 22, we celebrate our home, the Earth, and all the wonderful things it provides us – from the food that nourishes our body, the shelter and clothing that keeps us warm, to the air and water that allow us to live and breathe.

An adult and two children working in a garden bed.

Here are just a few ideas that can do at home to celebrate Earth Day, every day:  

  • Change up your commute: consider walking or cycling to your destination.  
  • Lend a helping hand: gather some friends and start a community clean-up in your neighbourhood.  
  • Get gardening: plant a tree or a wildflower garden this Spring to attract pollinators. 
  • Conserve with care: take shorter showers to save water and turn off lights in empty rooms to conserve electricity.  

Celebrating and appreciating the Earth doesn’t have to be a one day event; every little thing you do to help the planet makes a difference!

 

Get your hands dirty by planting a garden to celebrate Earth Day. © Kampus Production

Still looking for Earth-friendly activities?  

Join us for Earth Days at the Manitoba Museum on April 20 and 21! Play “Planet vs Plastics”, a fun and educational board game led by our Youth Climate Alliance; check out our special planetarium shows: Atlas of a Changing Earth and We Are Guardians; explore the Museum Galleries on an Earth Days scavenger hunt; and stop by the Earth Day reflection Wall to ask yourself: What action will I take to keep our environment healthy?

A seated adult smiles at a child as they engage with a board game propped up on an easel.

Learn how we can protect our Earth together. © Manitoba Museum

Two children placing sticky notes on a blue wall filled with other previously placed notes.

Ask yourself “How do I want to see the future unfold?” at the Earth Day Reflection Wall. © Manitoba Museum

An adult and three children engage with digital exhibit screens on a round table. A mural showing the water system is on the wall behind them.

Find solutions to keep our waterways healthy in the Science Gallery. © Manitoba Museum/Rejean Brandt

Help us celebrate Earth and learn how we can better protect our future, together! 

 

Join the Planetarium for a Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at Assiniboine Park!

Three people standing close together, looking up at the sky while wearing solar eclipse glasses.

(Winnipeg, Manitoba: April 3, 2024) – On Monday, April 8, the worlds will align as the Moon will pass in front of the Sun as seen from the Earth, creating a solar eclipse viewable from across North America. Manitobans will see a partial solar eclipse that afternoon. Viewers in a narrow path from Mazatlan, Mexico through Montreal and on through the Maritimes will witness a total solar eclipse, one of nature’s rarest and most amazing spectacles.

To help people view the eclipse, the Manitoba Museum’s Planetarium is joining forces with the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada – Winnipeg Centre and the Assiniboine Park Conservancy to host a free solar eclipse viewing party from 12:30 pm to 3:15 pm at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park. Special solar telescopes will be accessible to provide safe views of the eclipse for attendees, and live feeds from other sites across North America will show the view from the path of totality.

“We are excited to welcome our friends from the Manitoba Museum’s Planetarium and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada to Assiniboine Park for this special event,” said Jody Watson, Senior Director of Programming & Education, Assiniboine Park Conservancy. “It will be a fascinating experience to share with Park visitors and a wonderful opportunity to inspire curiosity and learning about the amazing world we live in.”

A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes in front of the Sun and casts its shadow onto the Earth. For viewers on the center line of the eclipse, the Moon will completely block out the Sun for up to four minutes, revealing the Sun’s outer atmosphere or corona. Viewers on either side of the center line will see a partial eclipse. From southern Manitoba, the Moon will cover about half of the Sun’s diameter at maximum (less for those farther north or west).

The eclipse will begin at 12:54 pm CDT for Winnipeg when the Moon first begins to cover the Sun (moving in from the bottom right). Over the next two-and-a-half hours the Moon will move across the Sun from right to left, while the Sun moves across the sky from left to right as it does every day. Maximum eclipse occurs at 2:01 pm CDT, and the eclipse ends at 3:08 pm CDT.

“This will be the astronomical event of the year,” says Young. “We’ll see the partial eclipse live from Manitoba and watch totality via live stream from several sites across North America, so we’ll get the best views even if it happens to be cloudy in Winnipeg.”

Eclipse Safety

WARNING: DO NOT LOOK AT THE SUN WITH UNPROTECTED EYES! 

The Sun is always too bright to look at with unprotected eyes – special solar filters are required. Regular sunglasses or other homebuilt options are not enough – a specialized filter material is required to look directly at the Sun.

“When watching an eclipse, safety is important,” says Young. “You can’t just use sunglasses or order some cheap filters online from an unknown source – there are a lot of unsafe fakes out there. Purchase new eclipse glasses from a reputable source, don’t try to save pennies and put your eyesight at risk for life.”

The Manitoba Museum Shop is now sold out of eclipse glasses. If you were not able to get certified eclipse glasses, there are ways to observe the eclipse safely listed on the Manitoba Museum eclipse page.

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Media Inquiries:

Scott Young
Planetarium Astronomer
204-988-0627
ScYoung@ManitobaMuseum.ca

Brandi Hayberg
Manager of Marketing & Communications
204-988-0614
BHayberg@ManitobaMusuem.ca

Ask an Astronomer – Solar Eclipse Press Conference at the Manitoba Museum

Formal headshot of Scott Young smiling at the camera.MEDIA ADVISORY – The Manitoba Museum’s Planetarium Astronomer, Scott Young, will be hosting a press conference on Thursday, April 4 to answer media questions regarding the upcoming solar eclipse and the Manitoba Museum’s Solar Eclipse Viewing Party.

 

Date: Thursday, April 4, 2024
Time: 9:00 am – 10:00 am
Location: Manitoba Museum Auditorium at 190 Rupert Ave. Please enter through the lower concourse stairwell.

A partial solar eclipse will be visible in Manitoba on Monday April 8 between 12:30 pm and 3:15 pm. A Solar Eclipse Viewing Party and live stream event, hosted by the Manitoba Museum in partnership with Assiniboine Park Conservancy and the Royal Astronomical Society of Canada, will be held at The Leaf in Assiniboine Park on Monday, April 8 between 12:30 pm and 3:15 pm.

 

For more information regarding the 2024 solar eclipse please visit our website.

 

For Additional Information:

Brandi Hayberg, Manager of Marketing & Communications
Email: BHayberg@ManitobaMuseum.ca
Phone: 204 988 0614

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SCO Launches ‘Manidoo Miiniigooizowin: A Gift from the Creator’ at the Manitoba Museum

“This special exhibition honours strength and resilience, and celebrates 25 years of advocacy and service for SCO.” – Grand Chief Jerry Daniels
A promo image for exhibit 'Manidoo Miiniigooizowin: A Gift from the Creator'. On a green background to the left, below a large

ANISHINAABE AND DAKOTA TERRITORY, MB — The Southern Chiefs’ Organization (SCO) is pleased to announce “Manidoo Miiniigooizowin, A Gift from the Creator,” SCO’s special 25th Anniversary Exhibit on display now at the Manitoba Museum.

“The Southern Chiefs’ Organization is very pleased to launch “Manidoo Miiniigooizowin, A Gift from the Creator,” a powerful exhibit that showcases incredible objects that represent our 34 Anishinaabe and Dakota member Nations,” shared Grand Chief Jerry Daniels. “The exhibition is a celebration of the past, present, and future. The objects on display exemplify the beauty and resilience of the Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples and celebrate the 25th anniversary of SCO.”

Following the guidance of Elders and Knowledge Keepers, SCO and the Manitoba Museum created the exhibition in ceremony. It opens in advance of spring break, which is the museum’s busiest time of the year.

“Many of the objects in this exhibit have been generously shared by individuals and families who proudly represent their respective Nations, and all were designed or made by talented citizens of the SCO member Nations,” shared Chief E.J. Fontaine of the Sagkeeng Anicinabe First Nation. “I am pleased to share that Amanda McLeod, a Sagkeeng citizen, is the co-curator and I commend SCO for ensuring a talented southern First Nation person had a prominent role in developing the exhibit.”

This exhibit also includes historical objects from the Manitoba Museum collections —community treasures from decades past. With both the ‘old’ and the ‘new’ on display, Manidoo Miiniigooizowin, A Gift from the Creator showcases a walk through many Anishinaabe and Dakota generations.

SCO thanks the Manitoba Museum and expresses gratitude for providing the space for the exhibit.

“Co-creating and co-curating Manidoo Miiniigooizowin: A Gift from the Creator with the Southern Chiefs’ Organization was a great honour for our team and a meaningful opportunity to celebrate SCO’s incredible history and contemporary work. Community exhibitions offer the Museum a unique way to discover and share stories that help us know and appreciate one another; Manidoo Miiniigooizowin honours the diverse identities, knowledge, resistance, strengths, and talents of Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples. This beautiful collaboration will bring many communities together, for which we are truly grateful,” shared Dorota Blumczyńska, Chief Executive Officer of the Manitoba Museum.

“In curating this exhibit, we wanted to showcase the vibrancy, talents, and skills of Anishinaabe and Dakota peoples and it also broaden the perception of what First Nations art is. As such, we chose to include artists and makers at various stages of their careers and across a multitude of media, from historical to contemporary,” stated Amanda McLeod, Co-Curator and member of the Sagkeeng Anicinabe Nation.

McLeod earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Conservation Studies at Birmingham City University and the City and Guilds of London Art School in London, England, before returning home to earn a Master of Arts in Cultural Studies and Curatorial Practices at the University of Winnipeg.

“This exhibit started by examining the collections at the museum and we found 19 SCO member Nations were represented. From there, Amanda reached out to community members to ensure all 34 Nations were showcased. Co-curating this exhibit with Amanda has not only been really enjoyable but also incredibly beneficial for relationship-building and working together in the spirit of respect and reciprocity,” shared Dr. Amelia Fay, Curator of Anthropology and the HBC Museum Collection.

The Manidoo Miiniigooizowin, A Gift from the Creator exhibit runs for one year. Admission to the Manitoba Museum is free of charge for First Nation, Inuit, and Métis peoples. The exhibit is the first of several events SCO has planned to recognize and celebrate their 25 years of advocacy and service.

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The Southern Chiefs’ Organization represents 34 First Nations and more than 87,000 citizens in what is now called southern Manitoba. SCO is celebrating 25 years of service as an independent political organization that protects, preserves, promotes, and enhances First Nations peoples’ inherent rights, languages, customs, and traditions through the application and implementation of the spirit and intent of the Treaty-making process.

 

For media inquiries:

Email: Media@scoinc.mb.ca

Do you know what’s in a conservator’s toolbox?

The tools that conservators use to fix, repair, and clean objects are pretty unique, in that many of these items come from different professions rather than being made specifically for artifact and specimen conservation. In this video, Senior Conservator Carolyn shows us some of the tools she uses to conserve the Museum Collection!

Click here to learn more about the tools found in a conservator’s toolbox in Carolyn’s blog post.

Did you know about the C. Kelekis Restaurant?

Did you ever grab a meal at the C. Kelekis Restaurant during its time as a Winnipeg staple?

In this video with Collections Technician of Human History, Cortney, check out some Kelekis memorabilia that was donated to the Museum after the restaurant closed.

Don’t miss the Solar Eclipse on April 8!

On Monday, April 8, 2024, viewers across North America will have an amazing opportunity to experience the motions of the solar system in real time! On that afternoon a solar eclipse will be visible across the province and across the continent. Learn more in this video with Planetarium Astronomer Scott Young!

Click here to buy your certified eclipse glasses from the Museum Shop

Find further eclipse viewing details on our website here.

It’s Science! Magnetic Ball Wall

Join Science Communicator Adriana in the Science Gallery to check out one of our newest exhibits – the magnetic ball wall! Learn which forces are taught by this fun hands-on exhibit.