Dear editor, Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin members, concerned residents and surrounding communities:
The [museum] AGM is taking place on Nov. 23rd.
The meeting agenda includes a motion regarding staff having full control over the collection. replacing the committee made of members and directors that is already in place presently.
I believe there are many objections to this motion; from the governance perspective, and also some serious underlining (sic) motions.
[I believe] this process needs to be considered by the membership as a whole, [and] the motion to allow the staff to deaccession items is neglecting the purpose of a museum.
The museum receives funds from the BC Gaming Corp. therefore they need to follow the Deaccessions Guide[lines] of both the CMA and BCMA- that clearly state the governing body must follow process. The staff is not the governing body.
Also, the mission statement of the museum and the director’s oath both indicate that the museum’s goal is to protect and preserve the historical artifacts and documents of the Cariboo Chilcotin regions, and Tatla Lake, and all other areas/communities are included in this reference. This also includes and involves the First Nations and their [unceded] territories.
I was elected [to the board] in November 2018, and the membership elected our group on the premise we would work to find/develop a permanent home for the collection and archives of our region. After four years we had a plan, we had grants available to achieve our goals and we had established governance that reflected our organization.
I do understand the structure and function of a non-profit and the board is fully responsible for the collection and the governance. The bylaws state that the staff is responsible for day-to-day operations, and administration tasks, but not of deaccessioning items. Noting particularly when they disagree with the board and deviate to outside influences.
I have copies of the complaint, the response, the CMA , BCMA, Deaccessioning Guidelines and my information if you would like to discuss this matter futher. (lczjma@gmail.com)
I would advise you and the surrounding areas to speak up, speak out and save your museum collection. Attend the meeting - get a membership - vote against the motion.
Laura Zimmerman
Past president
Museum of the Cariboo Chilcotin