Behind the Exhibit: Exploring the Processes of Indigenous Rights Representation at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights

<p>Focusing on the representation of Indigenous human rights at the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) in Winnipeg, Manitoba, this study examines how museums can represent, educate, and advocate for Indigenous human rights. The study is based on ethnographic fieldwork carried out at the museum in July 2019 and the literature on anthropology and human rights, decolonizing museum practices, and museums as spaces for human rights dialogue. The study shows how museums can change their history of racist and inaccurate representation of Indigenous people. Through extensive and “deep collaboration” between Indigenous partners and museum staff, Indigenous culture, history, and rights can be portrayed more accurately, ethically, and meaningfully. CMHR staff work closely with Indigenous partners to present personal accounts of Indigenous rights struggles and experiences as part of Canadian shared history. The thesis provides a case study of possible approaches to the representation of Indigenous human rights in museums.</p>

Name thesis:degree_name

M.A.

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters Thesis

Year dc:date.available

2020

Author dc:creator

• Dillard, Madison Caroline

Contributors dc:contributor

• Christina F. Kreps
• Tamra d'Estree
• Alejandro Cerón

• Anthropology
• Decolonization
• Human rights
• Indigenous rights
• Museums
• Indigenous Studies
• Museum Studies
• Social and Cultural Anthropology

Statement dc:rights

• <p>Copyright is held by the author. User is responsible for all copyright compliance.</p>

Language dc:language

en

Repository record dc:identifier

https://digitalcommons.du.edu/etd/1753

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:digitalcommons.du.edu:etd-2743