The changing nature of the relationship between First Nations and museums.

Abstract

This research paper is elaborated around the hypothesis that there is a subtle resistance by non-aboriginal museum professionals, primarily within the disciplines of anthropology, in accepting First Nations taking complete control of their identities and cultures. This new changing situation minimizes the museum professionals' power as interpreters of First Nations' cultures and no longer corresponds to the mission and purpose of the disciplines of anthropology. The author develops the argument by examining Eilean Hooper-Greenill's study of Michel Foucault's three epistemes on how museums influenced the shaping of knowledge in the transition from one epistemic period to the next. Hooper-Greenhill's analysis is further used to illustrate the impact the present social changes are having on museums and First Nations. The Canadian Museum of Civilization is used as an example and is analyzed in part using Patricia Pitcher's study of leaders in organizations and the author's own personal observations.