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Equity, diversity, inclusion and accessibility

The Canadian Museum of History and the Canadian War Museum have embarked on a transformative journey outlined in our Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Strategy.

Guided by four pillars, this strategy is a bold commitment to foster an environment that is not only equitable, inclusive, diverse, and accessible, but also reflective of Canada’s diverse cultures and histories.

“Leading through change is a key value at the Museums, and helps to shape everything we do. This determination to do better, to listen, and to demonstrate how museums can play a leading role in EDIA will continue to underpin our work as we embed these qualities in all of our activities. We are committed to ensuring that we offer a welcoming, healthy, inclusive and accessible environment to everyone with whom we engage.”

— Caroline Dromaguet, President and Chief Executive Officer

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Strategy

Guided by four pillars, this strategy is a bold commitment to foster an environment that is reflective of Canada’s diverse cultures and histories.

Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Accessibility (EDIA) Strategy

Guided by four pillars, this strategy is a bold commitment to foster an environment that is reflective of Canada’s diverse cultures and histories.

Museum employees past and present have played, and continue to play, an integral role in creating and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment. This EDIA Strategy and its implementation plan will build upon that work. Through a comprehensive analysis of our past and current initiatives, this strategy charts a course for the future, streamlining our focus and providing recommendations that will help us achieve key goals over the next five years. The phased implementation of recommended actions with staff engagement ensures a structured plan for progress.

“We have already begun implementing a number of EDIA initiatives at the Museums and will, with the help of this strategy, enhance our approach to EDIA by continuing to implement other important initiatives over the next five years. This will allow us to create an even more inclusive and diverse workplace culture. This is not a simple journey, but we are committed to challenging ourselves to do better.”

— Daniel Archambault, Vice-President of People and Culture

Aligned with the corporation’s vision, “Dare to inspire tomorrow’s history,” we aim to inspire future generations by creating an environment in which everyone can participate, share their unique perspectives, and reach their full potential. This is more than a strategy; it is a commitment to lead through change, while demonstrating how museums can play a key role in EDIA.

Our EDIA Strategy is a comprehensive five-year plan that rests on four pillars:

  • Pillar 1: Fostering a Diverse and Inclusive Corporate Culture
  • Pillar 2: Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce
  • Pillar 3: Building Collections and Exhibitions Representative of Canada’s Diversity
  • Pillar 4: Creating Accessible Museums and Engaging the Canadian Public

“Our EDIA Strategy will focus on creating equitable, diversified, inclusive, and accessible work environments, by ensuring that all policies, systems, procedures and practices at the Museums are reviewed to reflect the overall organizational vision and EDIA aspirations.”

— Pacifique Ndikuriyo, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Organizational Development

Each pillar addresses both internal and external aspects of corporate operations. These pillars encompass themes, goals, objectives, and recommended actions, ensuring a holistic approach to EDIA. The EDIA Strategy will be implemented in three consecutive phases over five years. Each phase will have a duration of 12 to 18 months.

Pillar 1: Fostering a Diverse and Inclusive Corporate Culture

At the Museums, we understand that a truly diverse and inclusive culture requires a top-down approach and, in this regard, we are applying an equity lens to all corporate policies, procedures, and practices. The corporation’s strategy, mandate, mission, and goals explicitly position us as key players within a national strategy aimed at advancing EDIA and better representing Canada’s diverse communities.

Led by diverse, representative, and engaged leaders, our commitment to shaping a corporate culture guided by EDIA principles is unwavering. Inspired by our President and CEO, our leadership teams are championing EDIA priorities and leading through an equity lens.

Pillar 2: Creating a Diverse and Inclusive Workforce

We strive to create a workforce that mirrors the rich tapestry of Canada’s diverse populations. Our ongoing journey will foster a workplace that is not only diverse
but also inclusive, in which every voice is heard and valued. We are actively developing strategies for employment and career growth to ensure that equity-deserving individuals are not just represented but supported and recognized for their unique contributions across our Museums.

We acknowledge and honor the constitutionally protected status of Indigenous Peoples, underscoring our commitment to reconciliation and the rights of Indigenous communities. Our Framework for Indigenous Relations lays the groundwork for institutional change, strengthening relationships and actively engaging Indigenous staff in shaping policies, practices, and procedures.

Pillar 3: Building Collections and Exhibitions Representative of Canada’s Diversity

As national museums of human and military history, we acknowledge our responsibility to reflect and celebrate Canada’s diverse cultures and histories. Our aim is to broaden the scope of the Museums’ collections, exhibitions, programs, and services to better mirror the rich narratives of this country’s diverse populations. We will allocate resources strategically to bridge gaps within the collections and exhibitions, to ensure better representation of equity-deserving groups.

Pillar 4: Creating Accessible Museums and Engaging the Canadian Public

We are dedicated to seamlessly integrating EDIA priorities into our internal operations and public-facing experiences, dismantling barriers to ensure that everyone can engage with our Museums. We are committed to creating accessible environments, both physical and virtual, ensuring ease of access for every Museum visitor. Our ongoing Accessibility Plan and evolving visitor engagement strategy will ensure that programs and services offered by the Museums are representative of — and accessible to — everyone who calls Canada home.

EDIA Initiatives

Our EDIA Strategy is the result of collaboration with employees, communities, and experts, reflecting our values of transparency and accountability.

Read more on EDIA Initiatives

This content is also available in the following formats:

Upon request, the Museums will provide this content in the following alternative formats within the following timeframes:

  • Print: 15 days
  • Large print (increased font size): 15 days
  • Braille: 45 days
  • Audio (a recording of the text read aloud): 45 days

Feedback

We welcome your feedback on this strategy. Please tell us what you think by contacting:

Email: edia@historymuseum.ca
Telephone:
Local: 819-776-7000
Toll-free: 1-800-555-5621
TTY for people with hearing disabilities: 819-776-7003

Mail:
Canadian Museum of History
100 Laurier Street
Gatineau QC K1A 0M8

Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa ON K1A 0M8

In person:
Information Desk
Canadian Museum of History
100 Laurier Street
Gatineau QC K1A 0M8

Information Desk
Canadian War Museum
1 Vimy Place
Ottawa ON K1A 0M8

On our feedback pages:
historymuseum.ca/about/contact-us/
warmuseum.ca/about/contact-us/

Via social media:
Canadian Museum of History
Facebook: Canadian Museum of History (@CanMusHistory)
Instagram: @CanMusHistory
Twitter: @CanMusHistory

Canadian War Museum
Facebook: Canadian War Museum (@warmuseum)
Instagram: @CanWarMuseum
Twitter: @CanWarMuseum