Tienne Mouland & Jared T. Hogan
Poster Subject: Indigenous Studies
Poster Title: Voices in Exhibits: Indigenous Representation & Collaboration in Museums
Bio: Tienne Mouland (She/Her) is a M.A. Candidate in Archaeology and settler who has lived in the territories of diverse Indigenous Peoples across British Columbia, Ontario, and Newfoundland and Labrador. Her post-secondary research focuses on collaborative archaeology and anthropology projects between Indigenous Peoples and researchers, and identifying best practices moving forward. Jared T. Hogan (He/Him) is a settler from Mount Pearl, Newfoundland, whose research explores the representation of Indigenous Peoples in museums and education spheres. Currently, Jared is a PhD Candidate in Archaeology and a Per Course Instructor in Anthropology, Archaeology, Education, and Sociology at Memorial.
Abstract: This poster describes two graduate student research projects exploring Indigenous Peoples and their voices in museums—one exploring Indigenous representation and the other exploring Indigenous collaboration in museum spaces. These projects aim to improve heritage practices and strengthen relationships between heritage institutions and Indigenous communities. Jared’s project, grounded in Restorative Justice, Community and Indigenous Archaeology, and Responsible Exhibition principles, examines how 16 museums throughout Newfoundland and Labrador represent First Nations, Inuit, and Indigenous ancestors. Jared’s research uncovers outdated exhibits, preliminarily linked to funding shortages and insufficient knowledge of Indigenous Studies, collected through exhibit analysis, digital media analysis, and interviews with museum professionals. Tienne’s project, inspired by the Creating Context collaboration, investigates how eight museums across Canada, the United States, and Germany engage with Indigenous groups to address museums’ historically harmful practices. By interviewing museum staff, she identifies three guiding principles: Ontological Empathy, emphasizing the understanding of diverse worldviews; Powershifting, granting Indigenous communities authority over their representation and cultural artifacts; and Culturally Specific Care Protocols, where museums follow the cultural guidelines provided by Indigenous groups. Together, these projects illuminate the challenges and potential solutions for museums seeking to honour Indigenous histories. By addressing existing misrepresentations and proposing meaningful engagement strategies, these projects will offer pathways for institutions to foster more responsible and inclusive relationships with Indigenous communities.
Corresponding Author's Email: jthogan@mun.ca