Pemberton & District Museum Social Responsibilities

Museums are more than caretakers of the past. They are active participants in shaping a respectful, inclusive, and equitable future.

At the Pemberton Museum, we uphold this responsibility through the following commitments:

Honouring the Land

We are grateful to live, learn, and share stories on the traditional, unceded territory of the Líl’wat and St’át’imc Nations. This land has been home to Indigenous peoples since time immemorial, and we honour the history, culture, and traditions of the Líl’wat and St’át’imc peoples who have cared for these lands and waters for generations.

We are committed to building meaningful relationships with these Nations—grounded in mutual respect, trust, and understanding—as we work toward a better future together.

Truth & Reconciliation

We recognize the role museums have played in colonial history and are committed to truth and reconciliation. This work is rooted in relationship-building, listening, and ongoing reflection. We aim to support meaningful change through our exhibits, programs, and internal practices.

Repatriation Policy

We acknowledge that the museum holds Indigenous items of cultural significance to local First Nations. Since 2018, we have begun the journey of repatriating these items in partnership with Indigenous communities. The museum’s collection does not include human or skeletal remains, nor are there any funerary objects or other artifacts related to human remains.

Please see our Repatriation Policy and contact Charmaine Carpenter, Curator, Brenda McLeod, President, or Clara Ronayne, Director, for more information or repatriation requests.

Inclusive Storytelling

We aim to reflect the diverse histories of this region through exhibits and programming that honour many voices, especially those historically underrepresented.

Community Care

We welcome all with warmth and empathy. The museum is a space for learning, reflection, and gathering, and we work to ensure it is accessible, inclusive, and safe for all. We are committed to creating a space where every visitor feels respected, supported, and able to engage comfortably and meaningfully.

Sustainability

As stewards of culture and environment, we are committed to responsible practices that support the wellbeing of future generations.

Inclusive & Equitable Workplace

We are committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion within our team. We foster a workplace culture that values kindness, collaboration, and mutual respect. Everyone—staff, volunteers, and community partners—is encouraged to bring their full selves to the work of preserving and sharing history. We believe diverse voices and lived experiences strengthen our mission and the stories we tell.

This is ongoing work. We approach it with humility, care, and a deep commitment to learning and evolving with our community.