Decolonizing museums: collaborative curation and Indigenous representation in museums

Authors:

• Claudia Marcela Velandia Pirazan, Master of Arts in Museology
• Chair: Meena Selvakumar
• Aaron McCanna

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Abstract:

This article discusses a multi-site case study focused on understanding how curators at non-Tribal museums work with Indigenous communities in developing exhibits that show expressions of Indigenous systems of knowledge. The researcher examines collaborative practices implemented by curators who worked with different Indigenous communities to create and develop exhibitions that center Indigenous voices. The researcher utilizes a semi structured interview approach to analyze three research questions: 1. what are the motivations for curators and museums to develop these exhibits. 2. In what ways do curators engage with Native Artists and communities during exhibit development and 3. what are the outcomes and reflections of curators as a result of this process? The article starts to provide a brief context about decolonization and participatory practices implemented in museums Then, it focuses on the analysis of the roles of four curators who bring their different perspectives while working with Indigenous communities and individuals to develop exhibits and finally focuses on the findings and limitations of the study by offering new opportunities to museums and curators to improve collaborative practices and create long-term relationships that benefits Indigenous communities.