“Agnes regularly receives requests to access the collections with an increased interest in engaging with Indigenous arts, and museum staff are learning how to field such requests in a Good Way,” says De Line. “With the intention of building deeply meaningful, long-term and healthy relationships with Indigenous communities and upon the advice of ongoing Indigenous advisory circles, the museum is currently developing Indigenous-led policies regarding access, care and rematriation/repatriation.”

In March, Agnes hosted the first consultation gathering with Indigenous elders and scholars. This laid the groundwork for organizing an ongoing advisory committee to help develop best practices. This crucial extension will inform future exhibiting, teaching, publishing, collecting and housing practices involving the Indigenous art collection.