Summer Equity Series

Learning about equity and taking action to create a more just future is a never-ending process. To support our sector at this pivotal moment of change, the BC Museums Association is facilitating a free, online summer equity series for arts, culture, and heritage professionals/volunteers.

Recent BC Arts Council feedback has encouraged many arts and culture organizations in BC to focus on continuing their equity journeys. To this collective work in becoming more equitable and just, the BCMA is hosting a summer equity series featuring regular webinars, online workshops, and discussions from June to August 2023.

Summer Equity Series Sessions

June 14

Beyond Colonial Holidays: Exploring Community-Responsive Alternatives

Inspired by the #CancelCanadaDay discussions of the past few years, join a panel of arts, culture, and heritage professionals as we reflect on forms of community engagement that draw the focus away from celebrations of colonial holidays. 

Speakers Sherri Kajiwara, Dr. Satwinder Bains, and Dr. Tzu-I Chung will share about the histories and events that we can dedicate our time to instead, drawing on examples from the Nikkei National Museum and Culture Centre, University of Fraser Valley’s South Asian Studies Institute (SASI), and the Royal BC Museum. 

June 23

12 – 1PM PT

Are Museums Still Not Neutral? With Dr. Sharanjit Kaur Sandra

Following up on Dr. Sharanjit Kaur Sandra’s 2020 #MuseumsAreNotNeutral webinar, join peers in reflecting on the conversations about equity, justice, and anti-racism our sector has had over the past three years and whether actions have measured up to words.

Watch the 2020 webinar!

July 5

12 – 1PM PT

Cultivating Careers #4: Challenging Inequities Through Inclusive Leadership

In this professional development session, facilitator Madison Tardif will provide tools and resources to think about what skills make an inclusive leader. Participants will be encouraged to think about their own positionality and how to use their power to promote change in their own spheres of influence.

Please note: This session will involve breakout rooms, and we strongly encourage participants to have their cameras on to create a sense of safety in this IBPOC affinity space.

As part of the IBPOC Museum Professionals Network, this session is only for folks who identify as Indigenous, Black, or a Person of Colour. Thank you for respecting this.

Learn more about the IBPOC Network

July 25

12 – 2PM PT

Kil Daagwiiyaay – “Strong Voice”: Rematriation as Resistance

This session provides an overview of Rematriation and its epistemologies (ways of knowing), ontologies (ways of being), and axiology (values) to support in the development of action-based identity-building frameworks that will support participants in upholding Rematriation as resistance.

Rematriation is a rising body of knowledge in anti-oppression, decolonization, and Indigenization work and beyond. It is not simply the replacement of repatriation and emphasizes relationship building as central to moving towards shared goals while recognizing the centrality of relationships and story. Much of these knowledges are tied to Indigenous lands on Turtle Island (colonially-called Canada) but are fluid, flexible, and adaptable by expanding to regions impacted by colonialism, white supremacy, patriarchy, and eco-terrorism – especially within museum contexts.

Taajuu Consulting supports organizations and community through anti-oppression frameworks while uplifting Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ knowledges and voices. Join Taajuu for a conversation about why it is important that we critically engage with the language we use to discuss the return of Indigenous arts, culture, and heritage.