About us...

ACCI flows from the knowledge that Cree culture must be captured, maintained, shared, celebrated, and practiced. Cree Elders have spoken of the need for a central place for the protection of the way, and have developed a vision for Aanischaaukamikw over several decades.

Oct 31, 2014

Moose Break at the Museum

During the week of October 6 ACCI was closed to the public for Moose Break, but that doesn’t mean that museum-y things don’t happen. 

So, what really happens to a museum when it’s closed for a week?  

Well, sadly none of our artifacts come to life, but the Collections Staff sure do because being closed for such a long time means we can clean artifacts, move cases, and spruce up the exhibit for our visitors!

The ACCI Collection Staff welcomed the arrival of our new Conservator, Fiona Hernandez by asking her if we could clean our two largest artifacts.   But why clean artifacts that no one every touches you might ask, well because even just sitting there they get dirty!
  
Using soft brushes and special vacuums so we didn’t damage the wood, canvas and paint Fiona and I carefully removed dirt and debris from the canvas canoe on loan to us from the Canadian Museum of History in Gatineau, Quebec, before turning our attention to ACCI’s Odeyak. 





  



























 
General cleaning in the gallery is also important to ensure that pests, especially bugs, don’t make their homes in and around the artifacts.  This means vacuuming every small space, cleaning cases and dusting all places both high, low, and in the middle.

















To take a break from all of our cleaning, Staff were also able to move cases and objects to new locations.  Focusing on another large object in our display the Ceremonial Hide was removed from its case and set away in order to let the hide and natural dies rest in the dark. Museum staff do this to ensure that the materials are not exposed to damaging light for long periods of time which can cause pigments to fade.
















Finally, with many hands and lots of heavy lifting the case was taken apart and will soon be moved to a new, surprise location!  So please stay tuned for its unveiling. 

A big thanks to all of our staff who helped during the week, and we hope everyone enjoyed their Moose Break!


-Written by Sharon Vance - Registrar