The Perth Museum is taking a closer look at Indigenous belongings in its collection as it works toward future consultation with Indigenous communities and possible repatriation.
Over the past year, museum staff have worked to identify and document Indigenous belongings, research where they came from and how they entered the collection, and improve their storage and care.
Indigenous belongings that were previously on display have also been removed from exhibits while the work continues.
Kathryn Jamieson, the Town of Perth’s manager of tourism and culture, says the museum wants to better understand the history behind the belongings before determining what should happen next.
The first phase included creating a comprehensive inventory, researching potential communities of origin, documenting the condition of the belongings and establishing a framework for continued research and collections management.
The museum is now preparing a grant application for the next phase, which is expected to include more research, improved access to collection information and outreach and consultation with Indigenous communities.
That work could help guide decisions about the future care and potential return of belongings to their communities of origin.
The project comes as National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is recognized on Sept. 30.
Jamieson says the work will take time and requires care, respect and relationship-building.
The first phase was funded through the federal government’s Museum Assistance Program.
