Community-Based Collections Training: Producing Indigenous Museum Professionals

Abstract

Tribal institutions need to meet specific western museum standards and provide culturally appropriate care for their cultural objects. Currently, there is a lack of training opportunities in the museological field addressing how tribal museums can meet the needs of their communities, maintain museum standards, and develop professional staff to fulfill museum mission and goals. This project aims to assist tribal museums build an in-house training program to fit their specific cultural and community needs. Research supporting this work found best practice examples of museums creating inclusive opportunities for community stakeholders through content development, workshop facilitation, and serving in an advisory capacity. Current museum decolonization efforts mirror these practices and expand upon them by providing in-person access to collections, hands-on learning opportunities, and repatriation of objects through relationship building. Logic models used in evaluative processes assist in planning the training program, resource listing, and desirable outcomes. This training toolkit emphasizes the pre-planning envisioning process and brainstorming sessions between the tribal museum and its collaborative partners. Training elements include western museum skill-building, the prioritization of culturally appropriate collections care, incorporating community voice and experiences, the activation of local resources, and the integration of cultural traditions. Using this toolkit, tribal museums identify culturally relevant experiences to meet their training goals. Upon completion, trainees have museum work experience, personal relationships in the community, and a deeper connection to the culture. This effort culminates in furthering efforts to diversify the museum field through the production of Indigenous museum professionals.