Last fall, the Federal Government announced cuts to funding for the MAP program which funds community museums across Canada.� Also cut at the same time were funds for volunteer programs on which many community museums depend.�
The Government has since indicated that new funding might become available, tied to a rethinking of heritage policy as it relates to museums across Canada; National Museums and others like the Galt Museum and Archives.
Thus, a window of opportunity has opened for citizens and their communities to begin a public debate on the place and importance of local and regional heritage in Canadian society.
��� - What is the�operational status of�local heritage organizations?� Should they be revenue-generators or civic institutions, or both? ��� - How should local and national heritage institutions be related in terms of an overall heritage policy?� How should they be supported? ��� - What is happening at the Provincial government level? ��� - How can citizens and their communities take part in these debates?
Speakers: Ron Ulrich and Wendy Aitkens
Ron Ulrich has been Chief Executive Officer of the Galt Museum and Archives since 2002.� In April 2007, he will commence a new position as Director of the Jewish Museum and Archives in Vancouver.
Wendy Aitkens is Curator of the Galt Museum and Archives.� She is also currently President of the Alberta Museums Association.
Moderator: William Ramp
Location: Sven Ericksen�s Family Restaurant (lower level) 1715 Mayor Magrath Drive S., Lethbridge, Alberta
Time: Noon to 1:30 p.m. / Cost: $8.00 includes lunch
Visit the SACPA website: http://www.sacpa.ca Session moderated by William Ramp: William Ramp teaches in the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge, and is vice-chair of the Board of the Galt Museum and Archives.