Join us for three days of programming exploring themes of care of self, care of team, and care of community. Program incudes pre- and post-conference opportunities, keynotes and concurrent sessions, social events, and many breaks for networking and reflection. As we get closer to the Conference date, more program details will be released and this program will be updated.
Pre-Conference Offerings:
Baddeck Waterfront
Description: Join us for a morning walk along the Baddeck shoreline at the Alex and Mable Bell Park for a community clean up. Afterwards, head back for a brainstorming session and discussion with the Waterfront Baddeck Centre who have requested help in how to connect visitors with some fun and interactive displays along the boardwalk. A great opportunity to give back using our museum skills.
We’koqma’q First Nation
(Approx. 30 minute drive from Baddeck)
Description: Located in We’koqma’q, the Skye River Trail gives those who visit a feeling of serenity and spirituality. This hike and medicine pouch workshop will be led by a guide from Skye River Trail. Participants will learn about the medicine pouch and the medicines found on the trail. This workshop will include Ceremony, demonstrations, and guided walk on part of the trail. Hike is 1.5 km loop (30 minutes) with easy to moderate walking. Wear comfortable shoes and bring your own water. More information about the Sky River Trail >
Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village, Iona, NS
(Approx. 1 hour drive from Baddeck)
Description: By invitation only, annual meeting for all Nova Scotia Museum sites.
Explore local food options in Baddeck here >
Bring your tea or coffee and join Jeff Ward and Rebecca MacKenzie for a casual clinic where we will be on hand to guide you through the Moved to Action report, Indigenous community engagement questions and all things UNDRIP. This candid and friendly session is an opportunity to learn, ask questions but also connect within an informal and care-focused environment. On hand will be printed copies of the Moved to Action report (first-come, first-served) and other information on Moved to Action Toolkits and Resources. We look forward to connecting with you!
Speakers:
Jeff Ward is a member of the CMA Reconciliation Council and the General Manager of the Membertou Heritage Park, drawing on his vast experience and knowledge in the field of Spirituality, Ceremony, Management and Administration. A former Director of Operations for Metepenagiag Mi’kmaq Nation, Eskasoni Crisis Center, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Constable, Red Bank Police, Youth and Community worker. He is a leader in the White Eagle Sundance. A Lodge keeper, drum keeper, conductor of ceremonies, and justice circles with over 30 years of experiences. He is a proud husband, father of 4 successful adult children, grandfather of 1 grandson, 2 cats and 1 dog.
Rebecca MacKenzie is a co-author of the Moved to Action report, and CMA Director of Communications. Rebecca’s previous experience is in the private and museum sectors, always with a focus on cultural heritage and communications. Of Metis, Scottish and Acadian descent, Rebecca has lived and worked in Calgary, Vancouver and now Ottawa. On a personal level, Rebecca is mom to an intrepid preschooler, enjoys collage art and is a dedicated museum visitor outside of her day job.
Conference Begins:
Inverary Resort – MacAulay Conference Centre (Room 1)
Description: Pjila’si! Bienvenue! Fáilte! Welcome! Opening remarks will include a welcome from Mi’kmaq Knowledge Holder Lindsay Marshall and the Association of Nova Scotia Museums.
Inverary Resort – MacAulay Conference Centre (Room 1)
Description: Our culture is a key piece of our identity, shaping how we see and interact with the world around us – but how does it impact our work? In this panel, representatives from some of Cape Breton’s communities will speak on how their cultural identity has shaped experiences in the workplace and how they’ve promoted their cultures through the heritage field.
Speakers: Final list coming soon
Grab a cold drink (of water). Fresh your mind with a walk around the resort. Say hi to new and old friends.
Inverary Resort – MacAulay Conference Centre (Room 1)
Description: Stephanie Smith, will provide remarks on the prevailing trends, successes, and challenges within the provincial museum sector. Stephanie’s talk will draw on her 25 years of working in museums to offer valuable insights into the sector’s current landscape, enabling attendees to gain a better understanding of its dynamics. With the addition of the Community Museum Assistance Program to her division, Stephanie welcomes conference delegates to follow-up with her over the conference to discuss their specific regional perspectives and experiences.
Speaker:
Stephanie Smith, Executive Director of Archives, Museums, and Libraries within the provincial department of Communities, Culture, Tourism and Heritage
Inverary Resort – MacAulay Conference Centre (Room 1)
Thank you to our Sponsor: Nova Scotia Museum
Description: Burnout and work overwhelm are top issues affecting those of us working and volunteering in the community impact sector. Too often our efforts are undervalued and we make do with inadequate resources. Rather than focusing solely on what individuals can do for self-care, Annika will highlight the systemic factors related to the sector that result in chronic burnout and offer some ideas for change.
Speaker:
Annika Voltan (she/her) is the Executive Director of Impact Organizations of Nova Scotia (IONS), where she works with an amazing team to develop the capacity and influence of the community impact sector. She’s been in the sector for about 7 years and was previously the Executive Director of Inspiring Communities. Annika has experience working across federal and provincial government departments, academia and in business, which helps her to act as a bridge across sectors. She has a PhD in social entrepreneurship and has research interests in networks, innovation and leadership for systems change. Annika grew up in Kjipuktuk (Halifax) and has lived in other parts of the country and Europe, but Nova Scotia called her home in 2011 and she feels deeply inspired by and connected to her home province. She lives with her husband and three children and can be found exploring nature and the local craft beer scene.
Inverary Resort – MacAulay Conference Centre
Description: It is time to relax amongst your “museum family” and friends. Dress in comfortable shoes and let your hair down.
Dinner will start at 6:30 with a BBQ featuring burgers (beef, chicken, vegetarian option), roasted potatoes, salads and lots of treats.
As the sun sets over the Bras d’Or Lakes, gather around the bonfire to share stories and roast Luskini’kin over the fire. (Luskini’kin is a traditional Mi’kmaq quick bread).
Inside, learn (or show off) your dance steps. We are having our very own square dance with Adam Young (piano) and Dara MacDonald (fiddle). If you’ve never been to a Cape Breton Square Dance or don’t know the set (Iona and/or Inverness Set), don’t worry. There will be coaches on hand to help you learn and have fun in a judgement free space! Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village has YouTube videos if you want to start practicing at home.
Watch Iona Set First Figure on YouTube
“Midnight” pizza (9:30 pm) will be served to provide stamina for visiting and dancing into the wee hours (11:00 pm).
Ticket included with Conference registration. Additional tickets can be purchased for $60. Cash bar.
On your own. If staying at the Inverary Resort, included with room.
Inverary Resort – MacAulay Conference Centre (Room 1)
Description: Join renowned folklorist and storyteller Dale Jarvis as he takes us on a captivating journey of traditional storytelling to kickstart our second day at the Association of Nova Scotia Museums conference. Through the art of storytelling, Dale will inspire introspection and mirth, helping set the tone for the day ahead.
Speaker:
Dale Jarvis is the Executive Director of Heritage NL, helping communities across Newfoundland and Labrador safeguard traditional culture and historic architecture. Dale holds a BSc in Anthropology/Archaeology (Trent), and a MA in Folklore (Memorial). He has worked for Heritage NL since 1996, and is Adjunct Faculty with the Memorial University Department of Folklore. He regularly teaches on oral history, cultural documentation, and public folklore.
Inverary Resort – MacAulay Conference Centre (Room 1)
Description:
The Happy Museum Project invites people to think afresh about the role of museums, offering different perspectives and responses and stimulating and supporting change towards its vision: To re-imagine museums for a sustainable future by fostering wellbeing that doesn’t cost the earth.
In this presentation, Project Director Hilary Jennings will share the wider global context behind Happy Museum thinking and explore inspiring and innovative responses generated by the wide range of museums in the project’s Community of Practice. She will be joined by Anna Bunney, Engagement Manager at Manchester Museum, who will share the museum’s journey with the Happy Museum – from the Playful Museum to A Rubbish Night at the Museum and its Hello Future Transformation – building greater understanding between cultures and bringing to life the lived experience of diverse communities through its historic collections and new displays, with environmental sustainability and social justice at its heart.
The session will include an online presentation by the two speakers alongside interaction and discussion in the room facilitated by a member of the ANSM team.
Thank you to our sponsor: Canadian Immigration Museum at Pier 21
Speakers:
Hilary Jennings is Director of the Happy Museum Project. She also works freelance across the arts and cultural sectors with a focus on sustainability, leadership and facilitation. She is an Associate of the Clore Leadership Programme and Extend Leadership Programme and is a steering group member of the Co-Creating Change Network. She is Co-Chair of the Transition Network which supports an international movement of communities coming together to reimagine and rebuild our world.
Anna Bunney is Engagement Manager at Manchester Museum and a Happy Museum Board member.
Includes Tea, Coffee, Water, Fruit and Baked Goods
Description: Join a conversation with three remarkable panelists, each representing a prominent museum in Nova Scotia that has demonstrated extraordinary dedication to their communities during challenging times.
The first panelist, Samantha Brannen, from Barrington Museum Complex, will share poignant insights into the recent wildfires that swept through Nova Scotia and the profound impact they had on her community and museums. Samantha will delve into the compassionate response of her museums, which played an integral role in aiding the healing process within the community.
Next, Tegan Rowlings from the Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum will captivate the audience with her account of the heartwarming “Fill Your Caboose” initiative. This heartening project united the community in collecting food and gifts during the holiday season, extending a helping hand to those in need.
Lastly, Claire Roach, representing the Old Sydney Society, will shed light on the resilient spirit of museums in North End Sydney. Claire’s discussion will revolve around the museums’ response in the face of hurricanes, homelessness, and addiction, portraying the transformative power of museums as sources of solace and catalysts for positive change.
This panel promises to be a moving, thought-provoking experience, guaranteed to evoke tears, laughter, and inspiration as we celebrate the indomitable human spirit and the role of museums as pillars of support in times of adversity
Speakers:
Samantha Brannen, Barrington Museum Complex
Tegan Rowlings, Musquodoboit Harbour Railway Museum
Claire Roach, Old Sydney Society
Description: The Maritime Museum views changing its practices as a necessary approach to ensuring its ongoing relevance and value to the community. During the first part of the presentation learn how the museum has been responding to social and global challenges facing our communities, and especially how they’ve applied a lens of equity, diversity, inclusion, and accessibility to museum work. Then participate in a short workshop exploring fictional museum scenarios and how the fictional museum might alter its practices to support positive social impact, including a reduction of barriers to inclusion. Opportunity to win an MMA prize pack!
Speakers:
Kim Reinhardt, Maritime Museum of the Atlantic
Inverary Resort – MacAulay Conference Centre & Grounds
A “build your own lunch box” break will allow delegates to find their own spot to eat and recharge. Remain inside the conference hall to network with colleagues, find a quiet spot outside to reflect on your own, or have a little fun with the Inverary Resorts grounds with horseshoes, washer toss, or croquet.
Thank you to our Sponsor: TRACK
NOTE: This session will be recorded and made available after the conference for all registered TRACK participants.
Description: “Age is the number one diversity issue in the workplace” – The Economist
The museum workforce is currently made up of five generations: Traditionalists, Baby Boomers, Generation X, Millennials, and Generation Z. This session will delve into the defining characteristics, values, and motivations of each generation.
Every generation has something valuable to share with the others. A workplace culture that embraces a growth mindset, values knowledge sharing, and supports mentoring can foster an environment of mutual respect across all ages. In this session, we will explore the value of embracing a growth mindset and some practical ways to create an inclusive workplace culture where everyone feels that their contributions and viewpoints matter.
Speaker:
Jennifer Mizzi is a diversity and inclusion champion who believes that every soul deserves to be valued and respected for the skills and perspectives they possess. She has devoted her professional life to supporting the development and growth of adult learners in the workplace as an essential skills practitioner, labour market language program manager and leadership trainer.
In her role as a Team Lead with the Immigrant Services Association of Nova Scotia (ISANS), Jennifer spoke at several national conferences on the importance of workplace skills training, development, and integration. In her current role as the Manager of Learning, Development and Compliance for Shannex, she is responsible for the development and delivery of the internal leadership development program and all diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging education.
Description: This introduction to accessibility workshop will increase your confidence to include persons with disabilities in your museum and community by providing an overview of disability terminology and language, disability types, barriers to accessibility and ableism. It will include case studies by Ingenium’s Digital Innovation Lab on improving accessibility through digital projects.
Speakers:
Terri Lynn Almeda, Nova Scotia Accessibility Directorate
Lauren DiVito, Ingenium Digital Innovation Lab
Includes Tea, Coffee, Water
Description: Discover the living essence of Africville Museum with Juanita Peters, its accomplished Executive Director. Join this multi-award-winning storyteller, director, and writer to explore how the museum transcends its traditional role. Beyond its exhibits lies Africville Museum’s vibrant heart.
This presentation will reveal how the museum actively serves and sustains its community, ensuring Africville’s legacy flourishes. Gain insights into fostering resilience within a team committed to preserving heritage and fostering connection. Join us for a captivating journey as Juanita Peters shares her expertise on nurturing both the Africville Museum’s enduring legacy and the well-being of those who bring it to life.
Speaker:
Juanita Peters, Executive Director of Africville Museum, is a multi-award-winning storyteller, filmmaker, and playwright. With 15+ years as a journalist and news anchor, she also hosted CBC’s Doc Side. Juanita is a Women In Film and Television Atlantic founding member and co-founder of Nova MultiFest. She’s Actra Nationals 2022 Woman of the Year and a recipient of the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Medal.
Description: The BC Museums Association (BCMA) created a Relationship Building Workbook to help address the self-reflection that non-Indigenous institutions can be doing to alleviate concerns and to lay a foundation for better relationships with Indigenous communities and partners.
Speaker:
Lorenda Calvert, British Columbia Museum Association
Description: Delegates will choose between one of four activities. Each activity will focus on allowing delegates to recharge after a busy few days at the Conference and a busy summer season.
Activity 1 – For the Love of Collections
The Fortress of Louisbourg National Historic Site holds millions of objects in their archaeological, curatorial, and costume collections that play a key role in telling the stories of the 18th-century fortress town. In this session, reignite your passion for pieces of the past by exploring some of Louisbourg’s most exciting treasures and participating in a conversation about the special objects that you’ve encountered in other collections.
Speakers:
Facilitator: Mallory Moran and Alynese Nightingale, Parks Canada
Activity 2 – Yarn and Yammer: Chéticamp-Style Rug Hooking & Storytelling
Rug hooking can be a form of “zen” and “meditation” moment. Join for a dynamic “Yarn and Yammer” session, where you’ll learn about Chéticamp-style rug hooking while working on your own craft and sharing stories. Betty Ann will demonstrate basics of rug hooking, weaving in personal anecdotes and historical tidbits about this local art form.
Bring your ongoing craft project and a tales to swap about how your own craft is inspired by museum work. For the brave, get hands-on with rug hooking and try a few loops.
Betty Ann Cormier is originally from Cheticamp, NS, world capital of the hooked rug. When Betty Ann was but six weeks old, when her mother Isabelle began learning the art of rug hooking as her own mother and grandmother had in the past. Therefore, Betty Ann is the fourth generation who took up the craft of rug hooking. Betty Ann chooses bright colors and hooks whimsical art which she designs herself. Over the years and with experience, Betty Ann no longer sketches on the burlap. Her hook has now become her pencil. Moreover, she is now learning the art of dyeing from her mother. In addition to her work at the loom, she is fluently bilingual with thirty five (35) years experience in the Mental Health related field as a registered Social Worker. Over the years, she has worked in a variety of settings, including community, hospital as a sole-charge Social Worker, and with several provincial and federal public services.
Activity 3 – Breathe In, Breathe Out (Chair Yoga)
Experience the rejuvenating benefits of chair yoga. Discover a gentle and accessible way to reduce stress, improve flexibility, and enhance overall well-being, all while seated in a chair. Join us and embark on a mindful journey to restore and recharge your body and mind, leaving you refreshed and ready to engage with whatever challenge your museum might hold next. Jamie prioritizes leading a safe and accessible class. Participants will remain seated during this full session. No special equipment or change of clothing required.
Facilitator:
Jamie Crane, Chair Yoga with Jamie
Activity 4 – Let’s Blow this Popsicle Stand
The Inverary Resort has many recreational activities for you to enjoy including Kayak, Paddleboard and Bicycle Rentals. Walk around the grounds. Sit by the Bras d’Or Lake. Toss washers or horseshoes. Get outside and enjoy!
Self-Directed Activity.
Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site, Baddeck
Description:
Make your way to the Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site – a 3-minute drive or 15-minute walk from the Inverary.
Hungry? You won’t be after eating dinner served by Baddeck’s locally owned and operated “Stand and Stuff Your Face” foodtruck. (The Conference Local Arrangements Committee’s praise for this food is very, very high). A variety of foods will be available.
Discover the spirit of innovation and creativity when you join us inside the Water Hall at Alexander Graham Bell National Historic Site. Mingle with conference participants under the Silver Dart, enjoy wine and cheese next to the hulking hydrofoil, and listen to the piano music the Bells loved to play while we hear from the new Executive Director and present the Association of Nova Scotia Museum awards.
Ticket included with Conference registration. Additional tickets can be purchased for $60. Cash bar.
Inverary Resort – Thistledown Pub, Main Lodge
Description: The pub is open. Friends are here. Let’s get together at the Thistledown Pub for casual drinks and conversation. Join in a round of museum trivia and win some fun prizes. Cash bar.
On your own. If staying at the Inverary Resort, included with room.
Travel Time Make your Way to Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village, Iona
(Approx. 1 hour drive from Baddeck)
Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village, Iona, NS
Description: Language and culture are at the center of what we do at Baile nan Gàidheal. From our location overlooking the beautiful Bras d’Or Lakes, we introduce thousands of visitors to the Gaelic tradition of Cape Breton Island. Costumed animators in historic buildings bring history to life through stories, songs, and music. Strongly rooted in our community, we play a vital role in language revitalization efforts and help show the value of minority language communities wherever they are found.
This study tour will include an opportunity to hear how Baile nan Gàidheal supports their cultural and local communities. Consider the role the museum plays economically and socially its small community. Explore the new visitor Welcome and Cultural resource centre and discuss how exhibits and spaces reflect the broader community stories and address local needs. Participate in a Gaelic Milling Frolic and see how staff are committed to bringing to life and telling the story of the traditions and identity of Gaelic Nova Scotia.
Study tour includes lunch.
Study tour is included with Conference registration. Additional tickets can be purchased for $30.
Lunch sponsored by Victoria County
Baile nan Gàidheal | Highland Village, Iona, NS
Additional fee of $10/person
Description: Have you ever had to leave home? What if you couldn’t return and had to begin a new life somewhere else? Join us for a guided storytelling tour of Baile nan Gàidheal. This special folklife experience will provide you with an understanding of the lives, language, and culture of Nova Scotia Gaels over 250 years. You will have an opportunity to hear Gaelic stories and songs, and even enjoy some tea and traditional Cape Breton oatcakes.
