From Cara Krmpotich
GRASAC researchers Maureen Matthews and Suzanne McLeod organized a double panel session for the Royal Anthropological Institute’s conference in June 2024. The conference theme was Anthropology and Education, and Maureen and Suzanne convened a group of scholars to speak to Indigenous experiences with Canadian museums and universities. These included the experiences of Indigenous professors teaching museum studies to Indigenous students; curating exhibitions with community; creating and implementing repatriation policies; and reimagining cataloguing practices and on-line catalogues–including the work of re-creating our GKS.
Making the most of this group being in London, GRASAC organized a one-day visit to the Cambridge Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology hosted by long-time GRASAC friend and Collections Manager, Rachel Hand, and newly-appointed Curator (and new GRASAC friend!) Eve Haddow, and the CMAA team.
The team included seasoned researchers Darrell Racine, Sherry Farrell Racette, Suzanne McLeod, Amanda McLeod, Maureen Matthews, Cara Krmpotich and Charles Feaver on photography. And, we introduced Suzanne’s nephew, Aidan McLeod, to the joys of collections research! Aidan’s keen eyesight deciphered the faded writing on a series of thimbles.
The group has particular expertise in the Western Great Lakes and we focused our visit on relatives from this area. We visited with a remarkable strap dress, and a bag that was such a charming old fellow. Over the coming months, we’ll be integrating our images and insights into the GKS to share with everyone.
Many thanks to CMAA for their warm welcome and support throughout the day.
