The Musées de la Civilisation de Québec to be honoured in Ottawa for their exhibition dedicated to Aboriginal peoples

WINNIPEG, Oct. 14, 2014 /CNW/ - Inaugurated in November 2013, This Is Our Story: First Nations and Inuit in the 21^st Century, is the latest addition to the Musées de la Civilisation de Québec's (MCQ) permanent exhibits. This ambitious project offers a contemporary vision of the cultural diversity and Aboriginal realities within Quebec. Using a resolutely contemporary approach, based on a concept by Yves Sioui Durand, the exhibition reflects on what it means to be Aboriginal in today's world. It focuses on understanding the worldview of Aboriginal peoples, their relationships, and current issues, as well as methods of cultural affirmation. More than 475 objects – mainly drawn from the MCQ's collections – large-screen projections, unpublished audiovisual documentation, and contemporary works, created especially for the exhibition by such renowned Aboriginal artists as Lydia Mestokosho-Paradis, Jacques Newashish, and Hannah Claus, open a dialogue with the visitor. An impressively evocative story written by young Aboriginal author Naomi Fontaine is broadcast via six audio terminals along the exhibition route, in collaboration with La Boîte Rouge vif and Alliance design et culture matérielle.

For their innovative and inspirational project that redefined the meaning of the term "living history," the Musées de la Civilisation de Québec is the recipient of the 2014 Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Museums: History Alive! The 2014 Governor General's History Awards will be presented at a ceremony at Rideau Hall on November 3, 2014.

The Manitoba Museum's project Bridging Generations Educational Kit was also a finalist for this prize.

"Canadian museums contribute to a better understanding of the history and heritage of our country. It is therefore important to promote these cultural institutions," said John G. McAvity, executive director of the CMA. "That is why the CMA would like to highlight innovative projects that redefine the essence of living history, like that of the

Musées de la Civilisation de Québec

."

The announcements will continue throughout the week and the winners' biographies are available at: www.canadashistory.ca/awards

The Governor General's History Award brings together students, teachers, historians, museum representatives and community organizations, authors, and producers to celebrate, but also to learn by connecting with each other. The day before the award ceremony, winners will participate in a national forum on the history of Canada at the Canadian War Museum. The forum this year, which will focus on the new generation of Canadian historians, will be open to the public, whether onsite or online, by registering at www.canadashistory.ca/historyforum

The Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Museums: History Alive! is presented by the Canadian Museums Association (CMA) with the generous support of Ecclesiastical Insurance.

About Canadian Historical Association  

The Canadian Historical Association is a national charitable organisation whose mandate is to popularize Canadian history. In addition to presenting the Governor General's History Awards and publishing Canada's History (formerly The Beaver) and Kayak: Canada's History for Kids, the Association produces numerous educational programs, disseminated online, to promote the discovery and understanding of our culture and history. You can find more details at www.canadashistory.ca.

About the Canadian Museums Association

The CMA is the national organisation devoted to the advancement of the Canadian museum community. The CMA's mandate focuses on the recognition, growth, and stability of museums and galleries. The 2,500 Canadian museums and related institutions preserve our collective memory, shape our national identity, and promote tolerance and understanding. To learn more, visit www.museums.ca .

About Ecclesiastical Insurance

Ecclesiastical Insurance is the insurer of choice for houses of worship, retirement centers, educational institutions, registered charities, nonprofit organisations and associations, arts and cultural organisations, and heritage buildings. The company was founded in 1887 in the United Kingdom. Ecclesiastical is owned by a charitable trust and is committed to meeting the needs of its customers and brokerage partners, as well as the wider community.  

SOURCE: Canada's History

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