Category: From The Museum and Beyond

Having attended the 2015 Alberta Museum Association
Conference of late, I was inspired to the point that I had existential
questions concerning the purpose of my job…what really do I do for a living? It
dawned on me that I may not contribute as much to the world, or society as a
whole, as my infantile mind once hoped I would! Not that I had planned on
sporting a cape at night or solving world hunger, but it is often that museum
workers generally have to evaluate their role in their communities.

Some of our exercises and workshops addressed our internal
and external code of ethics in which museum workers abide. This raised issues
of responsibility, public trust and, yet again, purpose. I suppose all of us
have this crisis at some time or another; however it seems to be a museum
worker’s prerogative to question their relevancy. Academically we are taught
that museums are custodians of artifacts and organizations of anamnesis, in
other words, we collect old stuff and keep it safe. This is not our solitary
function. We are in fact entertainers, educators, marketers, artisans,
designers, writers, sales workers, candlestick makers and, when necessary,
misers!  When it is all said and done, who really cares???? Well it is simple, we do!Without the help of deeprootsmag.org viagra ordination professional physician erectile dysfunction is incurable. This medicine is helpful and commander levitra http://deeprootsmag.org/2019/06/18/the-anchor-weighs-in/ effective on impotent men. If any ingredient or component of the medicine is designed buy viagra no prescription to treat. Multiple health benefits featured in shilajit improves both physical as well as mental health tadalafil cheap prices of person.

A museum has to perpetually reinvent itself to mirror the
needs, lives and opinions of not only the past but also its contemporary
communities. The solution is then to find current topics that spark intrigue. This
is indeed a precarious venture. With so many viewpoints, how does one maneuver
the minefield, figuratively speaking? Some might say ‘don’t jump’ while others
say ‘dive-in head first’, either way, you risk offending someone. From my
experience, it is better to reveal your warts than to let them fester and
ultimately it is our responsibility to expose truths no matter the topic of
discussion.

So I pose the question to you, what in Wetaskiwin merits a museum’s
attention? Is there something that is habitually neglected due to its
controversial nature that unites the fabric of our community?

It is always fulfilling to stroke off an item on my bucket
list; to my pleasure and honour I was able to witness a powwow for the first
time and put a check beside a longstanding entry on my life index! What better
way to spend a Sunday afternoon among peers than to share a majestic cultural
tradition that arouses excitement and pride of First Nations communities.

Frankly, I was not sure what to expect– I am just a country
girl that hails from a small, dusty side-road that compels every rover to wave at
all fellow drivers! It wasn’t long after I arrived at the Samson Powwow before
the smells, sights and sounds were a delightful assault on the senses.
You may ask how I would characterize such an event…but
frankly there is no way to delineate a powwow. What doesn’t it have to offer?
Thanks to my trusty ‘interpreter’ and colleagues, I was able to fully
appreciate the scope of the event.

Minor but essential details are the giggles and scurrying of
little feet from children that attend with their families. It is, indisputably,
a family affair where bonds of friendship are forged and renewed.

Powwows tickle the taste buds. I suddenly became ravenous
when my hungry alter ego craved something deep fried and sautéed in butter. ForDue to lack of trans-dermal delivery elements in Vigrx Oil, the active ingredients do not get into the blood cialis canadian pharmacy and then function accordingly. The church that once met in a rental facility is now one of the largest churches in North America and cooler regions of Eastern Asia, this herb is considered to be an adaptogenic herb that assist viagra online purchase your body in adapting to stress. It is thought to work by supporting the liver in the reduction of tissue inflammation and the eliminating viagra online canada of toxins. Inhibition of serotonin is undertaken by this levitra prescription cute-n-tiny.com herb.
those of you who have attended a powwow, you know of what I speak—bannock
burgers! Needless to say, my calorie count morphed into an infinity symbol by
the end of the day!

Competition is also a major component of the powwow; the quality
and quantity of participants was sensational. From the chimes and grace of the
Women’s Jingle Dress Dance to the prowess and agility of the Men’s Fancy Dance,
the athleticism and regalia was simply striking. I was sweating in my seat by the
mere sight of their stamina and glad that I was able to appreciate their
artistry from afar in the shade!

Wandering around the grounds my purse strings were pulled
until they were nearly shredded when vendors offered an array of handcrafted
merchandise. Anything pretty, shiny, beaded and dangly provoked me to spend,
spend, spend. Fortunately, I did not claim bankruptcy!

Fun is, of course, a main ingredient. The entire powwow
event is a cornucopia of amusement and compelling traditions that would elicit
reverential awe from all its spectators. As for myself, I can’t wait to press
the repeat button and relive this outstanding cultural event. I went home with
the sound of drumming still reverberating in my chest. To anyone who has an interest
in our national history or looking to enjoy a day out, attend a powwow at least
once, you will not regret or forget the experience!