The New Canadian Museum Of Civilization

This beautifully designed, full-colour book presents a collection of 150 archaeological and ethnographic objects produced by Canada's First Peoples - including some that are roughly 12,000 years old - that represent spectacular expressions of creativity and ingenuity.

The "ancestors" of the Museum of Civilization and the War Museum began collecting precious objects more than 150 years ago. Now, with some 4,000,000 artifacts and specimens to choose from it is not surprising that the several hundred selected for this book will resonate with many readers. These great objects are a window on our world: the last Red Ensign that flew over Parliament Hill while a fiery debate raged below; the revolver found in the pocket of a man later hanged for the assassination of one of the Fathers of Confederation; a gift that Charles De Gaulle never got; or medals and memorabilia from Canada's military heroes in various theatres of war. Among the artifacts featured are outstanding examples of ethnographic regalia, archaeological specimens, as well as objects fashioned from gold, silver, bronze and ivory that would be standouts in any national collection. All of these come from Canada's largest and most popular museum. The artifacts are beautifully photographed and vividly explained in brief articles. The life work of these two great museums are also described in the introductory narrative.

'The National Museum of Man grows out of the landscape and is indiscernible from it. It moves and flows with the contours of the land.' ? Douglas Cardinal. In 1982, the Government of Canada engaged in the design and construction of a new National Museum of Man ? now the Canadian Museum of History, an iconic building on the shores of the Ottawa River. Based on the strength of his vision, Douglas Cardinal was selected from among 12 distinguished finalists as the architect of record. Today, the Canadian Museum of History is the largest and most visited museum in the country, and the building is a must-see destination for tourists visiting the region. In his Design Principles, Cardinal reflects on his vision for the building and its surroundings ? how the grand curvilinear forms allow visitors to feel the Museum's connection with nature. Moving through its spaces is an extraordinarily interesting experience that is truly Canadian.

"In the 1850s, Canada's national museum was little more than a piece of legislation governing the Geological Survey of Canada's small collection of First People's artifacts in Montreal. Despite decades of wars and worldwide economic depression, funding and staff shortages, and a struggle for a permanent home, it has emerged as a renowned human history and cultural institution. This 150th anniversary history profiles the institution as well as the people who tirelessly championed it to ensure a lasting legacy for generations of Canadians."--BOOK JACKET.

For more than 150 years, thousands of Indigenous children were taken from their families and sent to residential schools across Canada. Artist Carey Newman created the Witness Blanket to make sure that history is never forgotten. The Blanket is a living work of art—a collection of hundreds of objects from those schools. It includes everything from photos, bricks, hockey skates, graduation certificates, dolls and piano keys to braids of hair. Behind every piece is a story. And behind every story is a residential school Survivor, including Carey's father. This book is a collection of truths about what happened at those schools, but it's also a beacon of hope and a step on the journey toward reconciliation.

Museums and the Past explores the central role of museums as memory keepers and makers. Using case studies from a Canadian context, the contributors to this collection reflect on the challenges in maintaining and developing museums as meaningful places of memory and learning. Discussions of museum practice and historical consciousness – how our understanding of the past shapes our sense of the future – consider the modern museum’s narratives and pedagogical responsibilities and how museums continue to inform our sense of history.

Fourteen reconstructions of peoples, events and landscapes based on archaeological excavations carried on across Canada. The places discussed range from the coast of Labrador to the northern Yukon, and from Vancouver Island to the islands of the arctic archipelago.