Peterborough Museum and Archives recognized with an award by the Ontario Museum Association

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Peterborough, ON – The Peterborough Museum & Archives (PMA) has been recognized with the Ontario Museum Association Award of Excellence in Special Projects for its role in the “To Honour and Respect: Gifts from Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” exhibition project. The Award is given in recognition of innovative initiatives or new approaches or techniques that advance the museum profession in a profound way.

The award was presented at a ceremony on Friday, November 22, 2024.

“To Honour and Respect: Gifts from Michi Saagiig Women to the Prince of Wales, 1860” was a partnership between Hiawatha First Nation, the Mississauga Nation, the PMA, the Royal Collection Trust and the co-Curators, Dr. L. Beavis and Dr. L. Peers.

The exhibition featured 13 quilled wiigwassii makakoon (birch bark baskets) on loan from His Majesty King Charles III, through the Royal Collection Trust, United Kingdom. The makakoon were created by highly skilled women of what is now Hiawatha First Nation and gifted to the Prince of Wales, September 7, 1860, when he visited on a cross-Canada Royal tour.

The exhibition focused on education, revitalization, and skill-building. Traditional quillwork and the Michi-Saagiig Nishnaabemowin language were integrated into the exhibition, project materials, and events. Interactions with the makakoon provided powerful moments for passing down traditional skills, strengthening intergenerational connections, fostering healing, and promoting cross-cultural understanding.

The complex partnerships brought together for this project have helped to continue to strengthen the relationships between the PMA and local Indigenous communities. Hopefully, this project can serve as a model for the loan of other Indigenous artifacts from overseas institutions, allowing these ancestors a chance to return home.

–Dr. Amy Barron, Program Coordinator, Heritage Programs, Haliburton School of Art + Design, Fleming College.

Peterborough Museum & Archives is a City of Peterborough service and facility that promotes local heritage and culture, providing a variety of programs, special events, and exhibitions. The Peterborough Museum & Archives is located at 300 Hunter St. E., Ashburnham Memorial Park, Peterborough, Ontario.