The fire of the crisis appears to have been quenched at the Canadian Museum of History (CMH) and the Canadian War Museum (CWM) with the appointment of Caroline Dromaguet as President and Director General for a first term of 5 years, announced by the Department of Heritage on Monday.

Since the turbulent departure of her predecessor Mark O’Neill, the museologist has been acting managing director of the two associated houses. A report by a specialist outside investigator two years ago concluded that this was the casea toxic work environment what has been going on for years.

“Caroline has taken over the management of the museum for several months and has proven through her creativity and innovation that she can advance the corporate culture and lay solid foundations for the future,” said the Have to Carole Beaulieu, President of the Board of Directors of MCH and MCG. Incidentally, she is the first woman to hold this position. »

M^me Dromaguet began his career at the Canadian Museum of History ten years ago, initially in the exhibitions department. She is a graduate of the University of Ottawa.

Her reform plan includes several major axes, which she detailed in an interview.

working atmosphere. “This is a task that we started two years ago,” said the CEO. We listen to people with a desire for great collaboration and we put in very concrete solutions to that, because through a value framework. This work is ongoing and creating a climate of respect is a priority for me. ” M^me Beaulieu adds that the board of directors released the work climate report and is tracking the changes in “organizational culture” made by Mr.^me dromaguet

Modernization. The strategic directions were defined during the pandemic and are to be officially announced next year. “I can say that they will focus on innovation, national and international engagement, indigenous peoples’ rights and technology,” said the CEO. We want to become a much more modern museum to fulfill our mission in today’s society. »

decolonization. The two women at the head of the facility do not want to comment on this the crisis of the National Gallery of Canada since the turn towards decolonization and indigenization. M^me However, Dromaguet can comment on the same process in his museums. “Our institution recognizes its colonial past,” she says. The work of decolonization has been going on here for a very long time given the nature of our collections. She adds that the first framework, outlining relationships with indigenous people to develop collections and exhibits, was adopted about two years ago.

Digitalization. The pandemic has forced the acceleration of change towards greater dematerialization of knowledge and exhibitions. M^me Dromaguet promises that future strategic directions will take this change into account. “We aim to use technology to innovate, advance our mandate nationally and internationally, provide access to our collections and reach indigenous communities where they are. The possibilities are incredible,” she summarized.

To see in the video