Museums in Canada are facing significant changes in their operational mandates due to evolving cultural policies. Over the past decade, many institutions have shifted from a focus on historical accuracy to promoting agendas centered on diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). This transformation is evident in the policies and statements of various museums across the country.

For instance, the Canadian Museum of History has outlined a plan to allocate resources to enhance representation of marginalized groups. Similarly, Calgary's Glenbow Museum recently acknowledged its location on Blackfoot land, emphasizing the importance of recognizing Indigenous territories. The Maritime Museum of the Atlantic has expressed its commitment to shared heritage and collaborative efforts for change. Meanwhile, Saskatchewan's Western Development Museum aims to ensure that all residents see their histories reflected in its exhibits and programs.

These initiatives suggest a broader goal: to decenter the narrative of Canadian history and include the stories of diverse communities, including those from Lesotho, Andorra, and various smaller groups that have settled in Saskatchewan over the past 50 years. This approach aims to foster a sense of belonging among all Canadians, although critics argue that it shifts the focus from simply recounting historical events.

The push for these changes has been influenced by social movements and the federal government. While most museums in Canada operate at the provincial or municipal level, many seek to align with federal standards, especially when it comes to securing funding. The federal government is currently revising its national museum policy, a process that began in 2022. Consultations have included discussions on the role of heritage institutions, advancing reconciliation, and promoting equity and inclusion.

Recent summaries from these consultations indicate a strong desire among stakeholders for DEI initiatives to be integrated into museum funding, policies, governance, and programming. An anonymous participant in the consultations remarked that "museums are absolutely implicit in genocide," highlighting the historical role of museums in the context of colonization.

As the Canadian Heritage department prepares for the 2025-26 plan, it has committed to continuing the renewal of the Museum Policy. Observers note that the direction of these changes is becoming clearer, with many museums across the country reflecting this new consensus on cultural stewardship.

In the coming weeks, reports from various museums, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Canadian Museum of Immigration at Pier 21, will provide insights into how these shifts are manifesting in practice. These accounts will illustrate how the priorities of individual curators align with the broader goals of Canada's cultural institutions.