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Canadian Museum of Civilization partnership prepares Haida exhibition for European tour

The Canadian Museum of Civilization is pleased to announce that it has forged a groundbreaking partnership with two other Canadian museums to produce Haida: Life. Spirit. Art., a travelling exhibition that will be presented exclusively in Europe. The partners are the McCord Museum in Montréal and the Haida Gwaii Museum in Skidegate, British Columbia.

Canadian Museum of Civilization

Haida: Life. Spirit. Art. will tour European museums, introducing their audiences to the remarkable sophistication and complexity of the Haida culture of Canada’s Pacific Northwest Coast. The exhibition will feature an outstanding collection of historical and contemporary artworks from the Civilization and McCord Museums, complemented by words and images from today’s Haida Gwaii, the island homeland of the Haida people. This is the first time Canada’s national history museum has collaborated with other Canadian institutions to produce an exhibition intended solely for presentation overseas.

“By pooling our resources and expertise, we are creating an exhibition of exceptional quality that will enhance the world’s understanding of our First Peoples and their rich and enduring cultures,” said Mark O’Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of Civilization Corporation. “As Canada’s national history museum, we are proud to partner with the McCord and Haida Gwaii Museums on this exciting project.”
Haida: Life. Spirit. Art. stems from an exhibition produced in 2006 at the McCord Museum as a showcase for its stellar collection of historical Haida art. The exhibition was featured in 2010-2011 at the Canadian Museum of Civilization, which proposed the development of this new version under the auspices of its Travelling Exhibitions Service. The Service enables the Museum of Civilization to fulfill its mandate for national and international outreach.

“We are very pleased to be associated with the Canadian Museum of Civilization in producing this travelling exhibition and bringing our extraordinary collection to Europe,” said Suzanne Sauvage, President and CEO of the McCord Museum, one of the most important history museums in Canada. “We want to thank the Canadian Museum of Civilization for this initiative, and the Haida Gwaii Museum for its invaluable participation, which will ensure the project is a success.”

In its new incarnation, Haida: Life. Spirit. Art. is broadened and enriched by the presence of contemporary Haida voices and perspectives that join the existing artistic insights of world renowned Haida artist Robert Davidson. The addition of important historic and contemporary artworks from the Canadian Museum of Civilization, and of breath-taking images from the Museum of Haida Gwaii offer an extraordinary experience for the museum visitor.

“This exhibition will focus international attention on the ancient and enduring culture of the Haida and their incomparable and beautiful homeland, Haida Gwaii—a place that has inspired Haida artists for thousands of years and continues to produce some of Canada’s most talented artists today”, said Nathalie Macfarlane, Director of the Haida Gwaii Museum. “We’re proud to be a partner in this important initiative.”
The dates and venues for the European tour will be confirmed in the coming year.
The Canadian Museum of Civilization is the centre for research and public information on the social and human history of the country. Located on the shores of the Ottawa River in Gatineau, Quebec, the Museum is Canada’s largest and most popular cultural institution, attracting over 1.2 million visitors each year. The Museum of Civilization’s principal role is to preserve and promote the heritage of Canada for present and future generations, thereby contributing to the promotion and enhancement of Canadian identity.

About the McCord Museum
The McCord Museum, one of the most important history museums in Canada, is dedicated to the preservation, study, diffusion and appreciation of Canadian history. It is home to one of the largest historical collections in North America, comprised of First Nations objects, costumes and textiles, photographs, decorative and visual artworks, and textual archives. The McCord Museum produces exhibitions and develops innovative educational activities and Internet projects in collaboration with local, national and international partners.

About the Haida Gwaii Museum
Located in the Haida community of Skidegate on Haida Gwaii, the Haida Gwaii Museum’s mission is to inspire understanding and respect for all that Haida Gwaii is. Working with its partners in the Haida communities and with organizations throughout the world, the museum is dedicated to preserving and making accessible the human and natural heritage of Haida Gwaii.

Canadian Museum of Civilization
100 Laurier Street
Gatineau, Quebec
K1A 0M8
Local: (819) 776-7000
Toll free: 1-800-555-5621
TTY for people with hearing disabilities: (819) 776-7003
www.civilization.ca

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