Ties with First Nations theme for conference

Relationships with Indigenous communities will be a major theme of a museum conference taking place in Kelowna.

More than 170 delegates are expected to attend the BC Museums Association Conference Sunday through Tuesday.

The conference will also explore the themes of innovation and technology, social justice issues and climate change.

Tickets to a pre-conference workshop on Indigenous cultural competencies have already sold out, said Nataley Nagy, executive director at the Kelowna Art Gallery. The workshop will assist professionals in the field with developing, enhancing and stimulating relationships with local First Nations communities.

“Galleries and museums play an important role in educating the public, and it is important that we stay at the forefront of cultural and social change,” said Nagy in a news release. “As we move towards reconciliation in Canada, it is very important that cultural organizations be prepared to share Indigenous culture, and to have the skills to do that in a respectful way.”

The conference is a big deal, said Nagy.

“We have been working on this for many months, and we’re delighted to welcome the delegates to Kelowna. We know that attendees will get a lot out of the conference and will enjoy our beautiful city.”