Kitimat Museum & Archives has served Kitimat citizens residents and visitors since opening in 1969. The Museum, located on the traditional and unceded territory of the Haisla Nation, presents exhibits on community and natural history, and visual arts. Permanent displays feature Haisla arts and culture, creation of the town and aluminum smelter, early settlement, and flora and fauna of the Kitimat Valley. Each year, Kitimat Museum & Archives hosts a line-up of diverse temporary exhibitions in the Upstairs Gallery for the public to enjoy. The Museum Gift Shop features items express the area’s natural and community history. At Christmas each year, the Museum hosts local crafters in its Upstairs Gallery. The crafts for sale include pottery, quilting, jewelry, weaving, soap and bath salts, knitted wearables and stained glass.
Question: How are you supporting other local businesses?
Answer: The Museum makes purchases from Pyramid Office Supplies and Beitz Computers & Office Supplies for office and exhibition supplies, and the local franchise of Your Dollar Store With More for arts and crafts supplies for educational programs. Refreshments for evening receptions are purchased from Save On Foods and Kyle’s No Frills. Financial reviews are completed by Carlyle Shepherd CPAs, and the water for staff and program participants is provided by Aqua Clear Bottlers. Original artwork and jewelry are purchased from local artists (Indigenous and non-Indigenous) for sale in the Museum Gift Shop, and on consignment as a service to artists. The Museum participates in the area recycling program and has monthly pick-up by a Terrace-based company.
Question: What social and environmental practices are you proud of?
Answer: The Museum is a welcoming safe space for the public – both residents and visitors to Kitimat – and maintains the Haisla heritage collection and the community and natural history exhibition areas. The Museum is a Chamber of Commerce member and welcomes organizations, businesses, and corporate partners to fund programming and exhibitions. The Museum receives some annual funding from the Kitimat Community Foundation for programming and equipment. The Museum Director is on the Board of Directors of the Kitimat Community Foundation and Kitimat Arts for Youth.
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