Adversaries Into Allies: A Call to Action for Turning Settler Colonial Museums Into Indigenized Spaces

Abstract

Since their inception, settler colonial museums have continued to perpetuate the harm of colonization and oppression to Indigenous people. The purpose of this research study was to examine whether museums can be allies to Indigenous communities despite their colonial origins. This research study evaluated four museums that were working with Indigenous communities to center Indigenous stories and considered interviews with museum practitioners who were Indigenous or worked with Indigenous community members. This study used a dual lens of constructivism and Tribal Critical Race Theory to explore the implications of Indigenous stereotypes and misconceptions brought on through colonial museum practices. The research found that while decolonization is often the word associated with museum work, no colonial structure can fully get away from its roots. Museums can become places of Indigenization, moving beyond eliminating harmful settler colonial practices. This process replaces them by moving Indigenous narratives to the forefront including Indigenous voices at all levels of a museum’s organization, and collaborating with Indigenous communities to understand ethical and responsible collection practices that respect the originating culture and the validity of Indigenous Knowledge.