Community Collaboration: Ziibiwing Center

My work at the Ziibiwing Center was an enriching experience that deepened my understanding of cultural preservation, community collaboration, and ethical stewardship of artifacts. This project was a key component of my role as a Community Engagement Associate (CEA), where I supported meaningful initiatives aimed at fostering connections between museum practices and community needs.

As part of my role as a CEA, I also played a part in preparing the Community Collaboration and Curation class, which emphasized respectful partnerships and curatorial practices. My responsibilities included coordinating materials, assisting with the curriculum, and ensuring the class reflected the principles of ethical and inclusive collaboration.

During my time at the Ziibiwing Center, I contributed to several projects:

Rehousing Paintings: Carefully rehoused pieces from the "Dr. Mike and Linda Shinkle Collection: People of the Turtle" to ensure their long-term preservation.

Exhibit Care and Maintenance: I participated in cleaning and maintaining the permanent exhibit, "Diba Jimooyung (Telling our Story)," which presents a powerful narrative of Anishinaabe history, teachings, and traditions. My role extended to the cleaning of exhibit cases and objects displayed in the Soaring Eagle Casino that are a part of Ziibiwing's "Enduring Spirit" exhibit. This required careful attention to the unique materials and contexts of each object, ensuring their integrity and allowing for their continued display.

Through these projects and my dual role as a Community Engagement Associate, I gained invaluable experience in artifact care, class preparation, and collaborative museum practices. This work reinforced my dedication to cultural preservation and the importance of museums as spaces for storytelling and connection.