DEPARTMENT ACTIVITY: MUSEUM CAPITAL PROGRAM

Developing standards for museums is difficult because of the wide diversity of products and programs they provide. The three-tier system used in other jurisdictions in Canada - basic, intermediate, and advanced/specialized - refer to collections in facilities and the level of care needed for those collections. Parts of this system may apply to Nunavut, but our situation is unlike the rest of Canada.

Collections are not the main focus for most facilities in Nunavut. Many respond to specific cultural needs that make them unique. Establishing prescriptive standards for these facilities cannot meet their needs. Instead, individual facility programs will be developed based on the following criteria:

• community size
• potential usage
• cultural significance
• historical context
• collections
• capital and operational costs

Most of the community museums are operated by community museum associations through grants and contributions from the GN and the federal government. The qualifying criteria for the creation and operation of a community museum shall conform to the Heritage Grants and Contributions Policy. The museum program shall be approved by the Minister before the development of a capital project.

Program statement::
The Government of Nunavut supports and encourages individuals and organizations actively involved in the presentation, portrayal and promotion of heritage in Nunavut.

Legislation:
The Education Act governs the educational facilities required by the Schools Capital Programs.