Canadian Museum of History Indigenous Internship Program

The goal of the Program is to develop ways for Indigenous nations across Canada to represent their own history and culture in concert with cultural institutions.

The Indigenous Internship Program offers professional and technical training for First Nations, Métis and Inuit participants. It is the first and most comprehensive program of its kind in Canada. The goal of the Program is to develop ways for Indigenous nations across Canada to represent their own history and culture in concert with cultural institutions.

Since 1993, the Program has welcomed interns from over 40 different Indigenous nations across Canada. Graduates have gone on to become role models and advocates in museum and cultural sectors.

The Program also works with a variety of affiliates and stakeholders such as Indigenous agencies, national museums, the federal government, local colleges and universities, provincial museums, Library and Archives Canada, the Canadian Conservation Institute, and the First Nations Confederacy of Cultural Education Centres, as well as Indigenous museums, libraries, cultural centres, and cultural tourism ventures.

Call for Proposals

January – April 2024: Apply by November 24, 2023
September – December 2024: Apply by June 28, 2024

Overview

The Canadian Museum of History’s Indigenous Internship Program (IIP) is seeking project proposals from First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals for combined in-person and online projects that use the Museum’s collections, archives and staff expertise.

Eligible applicants are invited to submit a concise project proposal for a hybrid internship experience comprising both in-person and online work that will provide participants with insights and training into contemporary museum best practices.

Timing

The internship will take place during a four-month period (see above). During those 4 months, participants will be working remotely from their preferred location on a research project based on the project proposal. They will be given access to the Museums network and database and have weekly meetings with their internship supervisor to monitor their progress and to foster creativity.

On-Site Visits

On three (3) separate visits of one (1) week duration, participants will be brought to the Museum (all expenses paid). During the on-site portions of the internships, participants will have access to Museum resources in support of their specific project goals, and will be mentored in core museum functions including:

• Collections management and care
• Research methodologies
• Exhibitions and program development

Context

While ongoing pandemic-related disruptions prevent the offer of the Museum’s usual in-person Indigenous Internship Program (IIP) experience, the Museum remains committed to the program and is undertaking a hybrid internship model for the time being. A Museum steering committee will review and select up to four successful candidates from the proposals received based on creativity, innovation and applicability to the Museum’s mandate as Canada’s national museum of human history.

Eligibility

Any First Nations, Métis and Inuit individuals, with internet access and the availability and willingness to travel to the National Capital Region (Ottawa/Gatineau) for three one-week periods to work in person with the Museum’s resources (including its professional staff) are eligible to apply. Please note that having a college or university credential in a museum or heritage-related discipline is considered an asset, but is not necessary for the program. Additionally, experience in Indigenous cultural interpretation or related work is also considered an asset, but is not mandatory. Lived experience will be recognized just as much as formal education.