During the global pandemic, the heritage sector faced an opportunity to rethink their work – from advancing digital programming to considering bias, representation, reconciliation, and racism, heritage professionals are questioning established practices and processes.
In partnership with the Waterloo Regional Heritage Foundation (WRHF), the Centre for Community Based Research will conduct a strategic program review to explore diverse stakes and interests in heritage in Waterloo Region, gain input on promising practices for engaging under-represented groups in heritage, and seek recommendations for WRHF next steps in providing more equitable, diverse, and inclusive programming. In partnership with WRHF, CCBR will engage a wide variety of stakeholders and under-represented groups in heritage including the business sector, government and civic partners, heritage/art/culture groups, youth representatives, 2SLGBTQIA+ community, Indigenous community, and newcomer/racialized community stakeholders.
The methods of engagement include an environmental scan, roundtables, social media engagement, and focus group discussions. The project will culminate in a final report to the WRHF that describes main research findings, provide a system map of groups in the field of heritage, and recommendations for WRHF next steps. The project will take place from April to August 2023.