(June 4, 2019) Gatineau, Quebec — The Canadian Museum of History is pleased to announce a new partnership with Indigenous Experiences (formerly Aboriginal Experiences), a local organization providing authentic Indigenous programming to visitors from across Canada and around the world. Indigenous Experiences will begin operating on the Museum’s outdoor site, offering traditional music and dance performances, storytelling, displays and crafts, as well as special seasonal events and programs.

“We are delighted to be partnering with Indigenous Experiences,” said Mark O’Neill, President and CEO of the Canadian Museum of History. “Its mission, and the programming it offers, links with our own programming and exhibitions. I have no doubt that their offerings will greatly enhance visitor understanding of the vibrancy of Indigenous peoples, their culture and their enduring contributions to Canada’s story.”

In 2000, Indigenous Experiences began offering programming from its home on Victoria Island, a short distance from the Museum. The National Capital Commission closed Victoria Island last year to complete environmental remediation work. The partnership between the Museum of History and Indigenous Experiences is a pilot program for the summer 2019 with a possibility of renewal for two additional years.

“We are pleased to bring our animated living history displays, vibrant dance performances, and cultural workshops to the grounds of the Museum,” said Trina Mather-Simard, Executive Director Indigenous Experiences. “This new site, like Victoria Island, is traditional territory of the Anishinabeg (Algonquin), who have lived, hunted, and thrived here from time immemorial. The Museum exhibits exploring the Canadian Indigenous legacy are a natural complement to the authentic, cultural experiences we offer.”

Through this partnership with the Museum of History, Indigenous Experiences will move its iconic teepee and other structures to the Museum’s grounds. From July to August, visitors will be able to explore Indigenous culture firsthand through dance performances, near a site once used as both a trading post and a place of friendship and celebration. To attend one of the daily performances, visitors must purchase a ticket at the Museum’s Box Office. From May to October, group visitors will be able to book performances and workshops directly with the Museum.