On September 17th and 18th
ACCI held a Preservation Workshop in partnership with the Centre de
Conservation du Quebec (CCQ) . The workshop was the “final” phase of the
Outreach Project started in October 2012. The project’s main objective was to survey all collections in the Cree
communities and to offer preservation advice supporting the work of Eeyou
Istchee cultural centers.
France Rémillard and Marie Trottier
conservators from CCQ came to Aanischaaukamikw to present the workshop and
teach basic preservation techniques to our participants and staff. The
participants came from Chisasibi, Wemindji and Waswanipi to learn and share
their knowledge about their collections.
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| Madame Rémillard presenting storage techniques |
Our presenters used ACCI to demonstrate
preservation techniques and to give the participants a more meaningful
experience. Participants saw how ACCI houses its collections; from rolling maps
to taking books from shelves, they learned and refreshed their skills.
Participants also handled and tested archival quality materials and learned
what can be safely used around collections (http://preservart.ccq.mcccf.gouv.qc.ca).
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| Madame Trottier showing techniques on how to handle fragile books |
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| Presentation of archival quality materials and tests |
They were exposed to all agents of
deterioration and learned how important is to prevent their action. I am sure
they are now experts on light damage, the importance of environmental control
and the use of safe materials. Look at them learning how to use and calibrate a
hygrothermograph!! So much fun!
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Participants learning how to use
hygrothermograph
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| Participants learning how to calibrate read humidity using dry and wet bulb technique |
The participants had lots of hands-on
activities and learned how to make basic tools and simple frames to store
photographs avoiding unnecessary handling. They visited our facilities (top to
bottom) and by the end of the workshop they were giving their ideas on what
could be improved at our institute; what a great group we had here!
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Hands-on activities
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Visiting Collections Department and
looking at some of our collections
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If you think we only worked during these
two days, you are wrong!! We had fresh smoked fish and goose as part of a
project developed by the Educational Department, plus two great lunches with
lots of moose meat! But more important than the fun we had, was the
establishment of a Preservation Network
between ACCI and the participants’ communities. It was the beginning of a great
partnership intended to preserve and protect the Cree culture to the future
generations.
In name of ACCI I would like to thank CCQ
for partaking on this project, especially Mesdames Rémillard and Trottier for
delivering and adapting the workshop to our needs, ACCI staff for supporting
the project, CRA for all the help and financial support, and most important to
the Chisasibi, Waswanipi and Wemindji communities for sending your cultural
workers and for believing in this project. Let’s keep up the good work!
Written by Marina Piza, Coordinator of Collections and Exhibits
