Preserving and Promoting: Black Cultural Heritage in Canada

Aims and Objectives

The primary aims of the one-day succession planning summit were to:

  • facilitate an intergenerational transfer of knowledge between the current custodians and administrators of black Canadian museums and youth so as to encourage the development of a pool of enthusiastic and innovative young managers for these museums;
  • create an informal network that will serve as a community of practice for the intergenerational transfer of knowledge with youth, and for effective and modern mechanisms to share information with the public at large; and
  • propose successful models for the intergenerational transfer of knowledge and outline creative methods for preserving and promoting black museums as integral to the Canadian identity.

Structure and Organization

On February 4, 2009, the Honourable Jason Kenney, Minister of Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, hosted a reception at the Canadian War Museum in Ottawa to launch Black History Month 2009 in Canada. During the event, the Minister reminded the audience that the celebration of Black History Month throughout North America provided an opportunity for members of the black community to share with all Canadians the events that have marked our collective history.

The launch, which attracted over 250 people, including the participants of the one-day summit, provided the Minister with the opportunity to elaborate on the theme for Black History Month, “Black Canadians and Their Contributions to Canadian Identity.” “We mark these contributions this month,” the Minister said, “by focussing on three of the many ways black Canadians have given back to the country: through the military, through sports—especially Olympic sports—and through the creation and preservation of museums to mark the black experience in Canada.” He encouraged the participants to prepare an action plan to develop young professionals with the skills to manage and maintain institutions dedicated to the preservation and promotion of the African-Canadian identity.

The succession planning summit was held on February 5 in ateliers C and D of the Canadian War Museum. The room was replete with posters, departmental and community bulletins, and the exhibit “On the Road North: The Journey to Freedom.” This exhibit, produced by the Parks Canada Agency in collaboration with the Multiculturalism Program, tells the historical story of the long and valiant journey of black Canadians against the backdrop of Canada’s national historic persons, sites and events.

Following the introduction of departmental officials by the facilitator, Dominique Dennery, the participants were welcomed by Andrew Griffith, Director General, Citizenship and Multiculturalism. He noted that Black History Month provided an excellent opportunity for current curators and administrators of black museums and youth to work together to facilitate an intergenerational transfer of knowledge. Mr. Griffith expressed the hope that the participants would use the day to explore opportunities and models; to build on each other’s experiences and knowledge; and to seek ways to work together as effectively as possible.

The importance of this exercise, he said, was that the group had gathered to develop an orderly transition or succession plan. This would ensure that the important African-Canadian legacy, and the proud stories of our Canadian identity, like the contributions of Abraham Doras Shadd and Rosemary Brown who were being honoured during February with a Canada Post commemorative stamp, were preserved and shared with all Canadians. He concluded that future generations of African-Canadian children needed to see themselves reflected in the stories of our country.

The day included:

  • a moderated, armchair-style panel interview and dialogue on specific issues facing black historical museums; and
  • presentations, and group discussions with set objectives, regarding possible models for the transfer of knowledge, mentorship, practical experiences and best practices.

Legacy Panel

Black Canadian Historical Museums: Past, Present, Future

The first session of the day was an interview and facilitated dialogue with two panellists:

  • Dr. Henry Bishop, Chief Curator and Director of the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia
  • Shannon Prince, Curator of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum

During this interactive session, perspectives were shared on the mandate of their institutions, their experience over the years and the role of young people in the promotion and preservation of the African-Canadian legacy.

Four key areas were identified:

1. Black Canadian Museums: Current Situation

  • These small museums were founded initially as a repository for family heirlooms; they are a birthplace and a showcase of cultural activity.
  • Many small museums exist because of the dedication and passion of family members and a few individuals who remain committed to telling the stories of the settlement and experience of their forebears.
  • These museums were founded because traditional mainstream museums were not inclusive of the African-Canadian experience.
  • Blacks in Canada are integral to this country, more than just a legacy of slavery. Black museums represent the hallmark of this transition.

2. Institutional Pride and Successes

  • There is great pride among curators in the existence of these small museums as a showpiece for tourists, and for special extended family gatherings like the Annual Homecoming in Buxton on the Labour Day weekend. This gathering, now in its 85th year, attracts almost 5,000 family members from across North America to a town with an existing population of 1,000.
  • Black museums illustrate a history that goes further back than the era of slavery, demonstrating that Blacks in Canada are not just descendants of slaves, but of African kings and queens.
  • “Cultural Scene Investigation” (CSI), a program of the Black Cultural Centre of Nova Scotia, helps to introduce black heritage and history in grade school curricula in Nova Scotia.
  • “Voices of Freedom,” a celebrated program of the Buxton National Historic Site and Museum in southwestern Ontario, revolves around a 1910 photograph and allows students and teachers, young and old, to work together with research material to discuss issues of heritage.
  • The election of the first black President of the United States, and the recent bestseller by Lawrence Hill, Book of Negroes, have created “a new zest and hunger” for information on people of African ancestry in North America. This has increased the number of tours to the museums.

3. Major Concerns

  • There is a major concern about who will replace current museum curators, and a pressing need for succession planning and sustainable funding to preserve and promote the black Canadian legacy.
  • There is a lack of sufficient preparation and education among the current youth to undertake museum work.
  • More needs to be done, in Nova Scotia in particular, to instil in black youth knowledge and pride in black history that is worth preserving. Since there is only one black museum in the province, many perceive museum work as an undertaking for white Canadians and there is a lack of interest in museology among these youth.

4. Preserving the Legacy

  • Museums and libraries promoting awareness of the African-Canadian experience need to be linked to schools where youth are being socialized.
  • Black studies should be integrated more fully into the curriculum of the school system. Relations need to be built with school boards and educators demonstrating the relevance of the programs of black Canadian museums to the school curricula.
  • Some of these black studies may be presented in a manner that combines history with entertainment and preferably by someone who is passionate about history and legacy.
  • The educational system needs to present black history within the context of an inclusive Canadian history, so that black youth can learn about their origins and feel proud of their history. However, one needs to be careful to emphasize that “we are all Canadians,” and to not draw a line between “black history” and “Canadian history.”
  • Big-city schools should be encouraged to visit black Canadian museums to give their students a chance to learn in a different way, and to be open to new information and experiences—oral history interviews, creation of portable exhibits, etc.
  • Students should be encouraged to undertake projects where they will want to research the black Canadian legacy. Engage young people from the start; make them feel empowered. Find at least one passionate youth to take the lead, to act as a “cultural agent.” One needs to capitalize on the excitement of the election of President Obama to “record history as we make it.”
  • We need to embrace the importance of excellence, maintain high standards and become visionaries of how black Canadians see themselves in 10 to 20 years. Everyone wishes to be a part of the success story.
  • We also need to think “outside the box” when seeking funding and not work in isolation but build bonds with other cultural groups and organizations by sharing interesting facts and information.
  • Funding needs to be secured for the sponsorship and apprenticeship of curators at black Canadian museums and to build on existing successful events like the Annual Homecoming in Buxton to attract individuals from both inside and outside of Canada to undertake scholarly research.
  • We must be accountable and transparent and maintain good governance.
  • The time has come for the creation of a coalition of black museums.

Infomercial on Available Tools

Canadian Heritage Information Network: Tools You Can Access

Presenters

  • Jennifer Baird, Project Leader, Virtual Museum of Canada Investment Program, Canadian Heritage Information Network (CHIN), Department of Canadian Heritage
  • Ern Bieman, Heritage Information Analyst, Professional Development and Digital Resource Management (CHIN), Department of Canadian Heritage

The two presenters provided an overview of CHIN, including opportunities available to museums through the Young Canada Works Program and the Virtual Museum of Canada.

Every year, the Young Canada Works Program creates approximately 2,300 jobs for students and young graduates, giving them the chance to test their skills, build career experience, finance their education or get started on their career path. Black museums may profit from this program by making applications for summer placements.

The Virtual Exhibits Investment Program is open to all public, not-for-profit museums that have demonstrated their commitment to work collaboratively with colleagues across the country by becoming contributing or basic members of the Canadian Heritage Information Network; and to organizations that have an ongoing role in representing museums or managing several institutions and that are making proposals on behalf of multiple museums. Having a presence on the Virtual Museum will allow black museums and their exhibits to be seen by Canadians all across the country.

The presenters encouraged participants to follow up with CHIN and the Canadian Museum Association (CMA), the national association of museums in Canada dedicated to advancing public museums and museum works in Canada. Representatives of the CMA were present at the summit and brought information packages with them.

Emerging Practices

Passing the Torch: Successful Models in Intergenerational Transfer of Knowledge

Panellists

  • Elizabeth Goger, Vice-President, Human Resources and Volunteer Services, Canadian Museum of Civilization
  • Lisa Leblanc, Manager, Programs and Interpretation, Canadian War Museum
  • Hélène Samson, Curator, Notman Photographic Archives, McCord Museum, who stepped in at the last minute to replace Bill Barkley, Museum Consultant

The presenters used the opportunity to provide details, not only on how knowledge was transferred within their organizations, but how they engaged the general public in relaying information on important activities taking place at their museums. These details were relevant to all museums, regardless of their size.

Three main points were highlighted:

  • With respect to succession planning, it is important to pass on corporate knowledge through acting positions, temporary assignments and student jobs. Potential retirees are required to give at least one year’s notice in order to provide sufficient time for new employees and those in acting or temporary assignments to be mentored.
  • The engagement of community volunteers by the Canadian War Museum as members of interpretation programs has allowed “history to come alive.” Visitors have been able to learn first-hand of important personalities and complex issues in Canadian history directly from volunteers with expert knowledge. This is an excellent museum outreach program, often with external financial support, which imparts historical information as well as enhancing public interest in the operations of the museum.
  • The ethnic experience in Canada is an important element of Canadian history and integral to Canadian identity formation. The panellists agreed that it was crucial to collaborate early with the appropriate ethnic communities when preparing sensitive exhibits related to the ethnic experience in Canada. This cooperation should also be given official recognition.

Dialogue on the Desired Future

The participants were grouped into mixed generational teams to stimulate an active dialogue reflecting elements of a common vision for the future of black Canadian museums based on all that had been discussed during the morning. “Vision boards” of magazine pictures and other materials created by the participants presented a graphic visualization of their expectations for the future and set the tone for the working sessions after lunch. Some photographs of the resulting vision boards can be found in Appendix E of this report.

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