Hiya!

What roles do museums play in education of the public?  Is it their responsibility to share what’s right, or what benefits them?

Driving Question: What role do museums and governments play in acknowledging and addressing historical injustices?

We were tasked in creating some sort of media piece that shows off our answer to the driving question, that will be displayed, or sent to a member of the government.  I chose to create a letter to museums across British Columbia, accompanied with a video that explains why I believe their work is significant.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy!

What is a government?  What do they do, and what are they?

I am sure everyone knows what a government is, but do you know how they are actually structured?

In British Columbia, the government is structured into three main branches: legislative, executive, and judicial. The Legislative Assembly, in Victoria, is where elected Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) debate and pass laws. The executive branch is led by the Premier and the provincial Cabinet, who are responsible for implementing laws and managing all services like health care and education. The judicial branch operates independently through provincial courts, ensuring that all the laws passed are fairly interpreted and upheld. This structure allows BC’s government to function within Canada, balancing power and ensuring government accountability.

Reconciliation

All my research:

https://christianl.craft.me/exhibit

So how do museums and governments play a role in education.  the governments are the ones who can dictate what is told, and what is shared through channels like museums or schools.  They can provide certain narratives to boost a side that supports their beliefs (propaganda).

I wanted to create a letter and video to museums across BC that addresses this issue, with examples of places that are actively implementing this, and places that are not.  My letter and video:

https://christianl.craft.me/3XWud2ImiNLhCj

Uncovering the truth of nation’s past is the responsibility of museums, both positive and negative views.  It should be an expectation to be able to see both sides of a narrative, not just a biased view that promotes a government body, or side.   Museum’s can choose to educate the public on one opinion, ultimately creating a biased view towards a certain side that can influence who and what they vote for in government elections.  A certain party might push for a cause, and people being exposed to it will ultimately lead to them supporting this idea.

Overall, I enjoyed creating my letter and video that answered the driving question.  I wish I went on the trip as I did find it a bit hard not having access to the same materials when creating the same quality work as others.  I originally only wanted to create a video, but didn’t have the necessary resources to do so.

Thanks for reading it up!

-Chris