Curator of Indigenous Collections

The Manitoba Museum, a not-for-profit institution, is Manitoba’s largest heritage centre and number one paid tourist attraction with over 300,000 on-site visitors annually, including 80,000 students. We uniquely combine human and natural history themes, multidimensional interpretation, science, and astronomy education with quality school and community programs, special events, and exhibits. We are pleased to announce a Curator of Indigenous Collections opportunity in our Research, Collections & Exhibitions Division.

Overview

Reporting to the Director of Research, Collections, and Exhibitions (RCE), the Curator of Indigenous Collections is responsible for the Indigenous belongings within two large ethnographic collections: The Anthropology Collection and the HBC Museum Collection. The non-Indigenous artifacts within the latter collection are under the purview of the Director of RCE to provide in-house HBC expertise.

The successful candidate will have significant knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultural history within Canada, with an emphasis on Nations within Manitoba, and with specialized knowledge in areas such as colonialism, Indigenization, and decolonization. Demonstrated knowledge and sensitivities surrounding Indigenous belongings and an understanding of their importance within the cultural practices of contemporary Indigenous communities.

NOTE: Only applicants self-identifying as First Nations, Inuit, and Métis will be considered for this position. Indigenous community experience within Manitoba would be an asset.

Key Responsibilities

- Develop and maintain a strategic 3‑year rolling research & collecting plan.

- Identify and recommend new acquisitions, de‑accessions, and manage loans.

- Assist RCE Director with repatriation requests and documentation of belongings.

- Conduct primary research through archival study, oral histories, and community‑engaged initiatives.

- Interpret research findings and produce content for galleries, exhibits, programs, publications, workshops, lectures, and public talks.

- Serve as main knowledge resource and spokesperson for Indigenous collections, responding to media and public inquiries.

- Supervise and mentor collections staff, volunteers, interns, and research assistants.

- Collaborate with Indigenous communities, governmental entities, and non‑profit partners to strengthen relationships and promote Indigenous heritage.

- Participate in committees related to Indigenous initiatives and to Indigenous Advisory Circle.

- Perform other duties as reasonably assigned.

Qualifications & Skills

- Significant knowledge of First Nations, Métis, and Inuit cultural history within Canada, especially Manitoba, including colonialism, indigenization, and decolonization.

- Demonstrated sensitivity to Indigenous belongings and their cultural significance.

- Advanced knowledge of related academic disciplines (anthropology, historiography, museology, material culture studies) and proven research methods (archival research, community‑based research, linguistics, oral history).

- Basic knowledge of general museum functions: collections management, conservation, intellectual property.

- Established relationships with provincial and community cultural organizations.

- Advanced communication skills; ability to write professional publications, deliver presentations, and simplify complex ideas for public audiences.

- Familiarity with UNDRIP, TRC calls to action, and museum association reports.

- Ability to manage, train, and motivate staff; competent computer skills and familiarity with MS Office, SharePoint, OneDrive, collections databases, and digital imaging.

- Physical capability to lift objects up to 10 kg; travel as needed.

Education & Experience

- A Master of Arts (M.A.) in an appropriate field (e.g., Indigenous Studies, Anthropology, Archaeology, History); Ph.D. or equivalent lived/work experience preferred.

- At least 5 years in a culture or heritage organization, with museum experience preferred.

Employment Details

This is a permanent full‑time position commencing as soon as possible. The incumbent will report to the Director of Research, Collections and Exhibitions & Chief Curator. Salary range: $72,316.34 – $86,349.50 per annum, depending on experience.

Applications will be received until 31 October 2025, 4:30 pm. Submit cover letter and resume to: AFay@ManitobaMuseum.ca. An optional virtual information session will be held on Wednesday, 22 October 2025, 5–6 pm; please email Amelia for a Teams link.

The Manitoba Museum is committed to inclusion and employment equity and welcomes diversity in the workplace. We support equitable employment practices and promote representation of designated groups (women, Indigenous people, persons with disabilities, visible minorities). Employment Equity is a factor in selection for this position. All applicants are encouraged to self‑identify if they are members of the designated groups.

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