博物之島 MUSEUMS

Author:Chung-Wen, Weng (Postgraduate, Graduate Institute of Museum Studies, TNUA) Disasters are all around us—right in our face and stemming from us. We are witnessing the collision of human society, pushing both human society and natural environments backwards. In light of this, how can museums respond to contemporary issues, collaborate with local communities to address crises, and take proactive steps toward immediate change? This interview with Dr. Robert R. Janes, based in Alberta, Canada, sheds light on these questions. Janes has been dedicated to Indigenous Peoples' rights, climate change issues, and museum activism. The climate crisis is akin to an “elephant in the room”—undeniably present, yet actions to address this issue remain sparse in the museum community. Nonetheless, Janes maintains that while circumstances may seem dire, there is potential for impactful action. Museums, leveraging their expertise and resources, can make a substantial difference. Currently a Visiting Research Fellow at the School of Museum Studies, University of Leicester in the UK, Janes has also served as Editor-in-Chief of the esteemed Journal of Museum Management and Curatorship. His leadership roles include Director of the Glenbow Museum and the founding Director of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, both in Canada. Raised in a household where his father, a surgeon, hosted medical colleagues from around the world, Janes developed an early curiosity about foreign cultures. He vividly recalls a humorous incident: during one visit, a Chinese guest presented "thousand-year eggs," and the unexpected appearance and smell upon peeling the shells led Janes and his siblings to burst into laughter. This experience sparked his enduring fascination with multiculturalism and later with archaeology.   Aerial view of the K’á lot’ine hunting camp in Canada’s Northwest Territories. (Courtesy of Dr. Robert R. Janes)   Learning from Hunters: Cooperation and co-creation with the Dene During his doctoral studies in archaeology, Janes focused on researching the culture and history of the Dene First Nation in Canada’s Northwest Territories. However, he found that the academic training provided theoretical knowledge without any personal experience among Dene People. Seeking a deeper understanding, Janes took a break from graduate studies and relocated with his wife to live among several Dene families in a hunting camp for six months. In the unforgiving and frigid Western Subarctic, the Dene families supported each other to ensure their well-being, , leaving a lasting impression on Janes regarding the importance of generosity. This experience also shaped his belief that effective leadership is rooted in competence, respect and trust rather than hierarchical status. His experiences and learning with the Dene continue to guide his museum practice.   Dr. Robert R. Janes (left) and Francis Baton drying a bear skin at the K’á lot’ine Hunting Camp (Courtesy of Dr. Robert R. Janes) The Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. Robert Janes was the founding director. (Courtesy of Dr. Robert R. Janes) In 1976, Janes assumed the role of founding Director of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre.  Lacking formal training in museum studies, he humbly described himself as a blank slate. Initially, the museum faced resistance from local Indigenous Communities, who perceived the museum’s approach to collecting cultural artifacts as potentially freezing their traditions in time. Recognizing the need for a new approach to cultural interpretation and preservation, Janes and his colleagues embarked on a reevaluation of the museum's practices. In 1981, they collaborated with Dene Elders and a documentary film team to revive the traditional art of crafting a mooseskin boat, based on oral histories passed down through generations. The three-month endeavor resulted in the creation of a mooseskin boat, now a centerpiece of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre's permanent exhibitions and a symbol of cultural revitalization.   Dr. Robert R. Janes working with Dene Elders, Johnny and Elizabeth Yakaleya, to identify archaeological artifacts. Mackenzie River Valley, Northwest Territories, Canada. (Courtesy of Dr. Robert R. Janes) The Mooseskin boat of the Dene People, now a centerpiece of the Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre. (Courtesy of Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre, Northwest Territories, Canada)   The Glenbow Museum/Blackfoot Repatriation Assuming the directorship of the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, Canada in 1989, Janes encountered an immediate and unprecedented challenge: shortly after taking office, government subsidies were abruptly cut, plunging the museum into a financial crisis. Faced with the daunting task of navigating bankruptcy, Janes had no choice but to lay off 25 of the museum's 150 staff members. His actions sparked controversy and even led to a death threat against him from a departing employee. Throughout this tumultuous period, Janes remained steadfast in his commitment to the museum's mission, continually questioning “Why” behind each decision made.  Under Janes's leadership, the Glenbow Museum initiated Canada's largest repatriation of Indigenous sacred possessions. Among its significant holdings were medicine bundles integral to the ceremonies of the Blackfoot Confederacy . The museum would temporarily "lend" these bundles to the Confederacy for ceremonies. However, as part of standard collection maintenance, the bundles underwent a process involving freezing to eradicate insects and bacteria before their return to collection storage. For the Blackfoot People, these bundles are sacred and akin to children, embodying spiritual essence. Janes and his colleague Gerald Conaty, the Curator of Ethnology, recognized that the museum's conservation procedures, while considered necessary from a professional standpoint, conflicted deeply with the Blackfoot worldview. Sacred bundles are not merely collections of physical objects – they are living entities that require vigilant care within an Indigenous way of life. Janes, Glenbow’s Board of Directors, and staff recognized that the most fitting approach to preserving these cultural possessions was to return them to the people who possess the knowledge of their care, meaning and use. Through extensive consultations with the Blackfoot Confederacy, he embarked on a decade-long process resulting in the returning of over 250 sacred possessions to the Blackfoot communities. Alberta government officials and representatives of the Blackfoot Confederacy participate in the signing ceremony for the repatriation agreement. Robert R. Janes is pictured second from the right, alongside Gerald Conaty on the far right. (Image courtesy of Dr. Robert R. Janes)   Despite strong opposition and disapproval of the repatriation by provincial government staff, the repatriation efforts under Janes's leadership forged profound relationships with local Indigenous communities. In addition, Glenbow staff involved 18 Blackfoot Elders in curating the permanent exhibition "Niitsitapiisini: Our Way of Life." All of these efforts resonated deeply, leading to Janes and Conaty being honored with traditional Blackfoot names.  Robert R. Janes’ naming ceremony where he was given a traditional Blackfoot name. Kainai First Nation, Alberta, Canada. (Courtesy of Dr. Robert R. Janes)   Uniting Against Climate Trauma: The Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice Climate change has triggered numerous catastrophes, causing Janes to assert that the climate crisis has escalated into "climate trauma," posing irretrievable damage to contemporary civilization as multiple crises interweave. He stressed that not only science museums should address climate trauma, but that all museums should face the crisis and strive for climate justice. Taking proactive measures, Janes collaborated with Canadian museum colleagues to co-found The Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice in 2016. This coalition aims to establish environmental and sustainability-focused curatorial guidelines and consultation platforms. The new permanent exhibition "We Have the Power" at the Qualicum Beach Museum introduces electricity and ecological conservation knowledge, aiming to empower visitors with the understanding that everyone can make a meaningful impact on the environment. (Courtesy of Qualicum Beach Historical & Museum Society, British Columbia, Canada.)   Inspired by the work of Robert R. Janes and The Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice, in 2023, the Qualicum Beach Museum developed a new permanent exhibition about power, energy and climate change through a local perspective. The exhibition is aptly located in an historic powerhouse, as it reflects on power and energy in the past, present and future. The exhibition is rooted in place and centers Indigenous Ecological Knowledge as well as local ecosystems, framed as “climate heroes” deserving public’s respect and protection. Drawing from the work of Janes and the Coalition, the Qualicum Beach Museum staff developed principles and guidelines for the exhibition. The curators aimed for the exhibit to be as environmentally friendly as possible by minimizing plastics, using locally sourced materials, and eliminating climate control that consumes a lot of energy. In addition, they aimed to create a community space of ongoing learning about the climate crisis. For example, the panels can be temporarily stored to make way for speakers, educational activities, and temporary exhibits. Lifeboats in the Currents: Steering the Future of Museums In our interviews and correspondence, Janes consistently provides humble yet detailed responses, reflecting his dedication to continuous learning and thoughtful reflection. This year, Janes has sounded a clarion call with his latest book, "Museum and Societal Collapse: The Museum as a Lifeboat," aiming to provoke museum practitioners, academics, students, and researchers to reconsider the role of museums. He emphasizes that museums must not remain isolated but should actively confront contemporary crises, uphold social responsibility, and mobilize community collaboration to serve as a lifeboat in navigating societal challenges. "We are at a watershed moment in determining the future of museums," says Janes. Despite the necessity for museums to rely on commercial activities for sustainable operation, he emphasizes the importance of not being unduly influenced by market pressures and revenue generation. Janes believes that rethinking museum visions and missions, driven by values and principles, can lead to significant transformations. He concludes by sincerely urging the global museum community  to slow down and reflect on the fundamental questions of why museums exist, for whom they exist, and the core ideas they uphold. This introspection, he suggests, is crucial for identifying contemporary values and beliefs that are essential in shaping the museum's mission and meaning in the 21st century.

作者：翁仲彣（國立臺北藝術大學博物館研究所碩士生） 我們距離災難並不遠。只要打開新聞，就能看到極端氣候對人類的衝擊。此時，博物館該如何回應當代議題，帶領社區正視危機，並為改變付出行動呢？本文專訪現居加拿大亞伯達省的Robert R. Janes，他長期關注原住民議題、氣候變遷與博物館行動主義。對Janes而言，氣候議題在博物館領域中形同「房裡的大象」，近在眼前卻無人聞問。儘管如此，他堅信這個世界絕望卻還有救，博物館可以利用自身專業及資源改變現況。 Janes現為英國萊斯特博物館研究所的客座學者，曾擔任國際知名期刊Museum Management and Curatorship總編輯，以及加拿大格蘭堡博物館（Glenbow Museum）與威爾斯王子北方資產中心（Prince of Wales Northern Heritage Centre）的館長。由於父親是外科醫生，家裡不乏來自世界各地的醫界同事來訪。曾有位中國訪客帶來了皮蛋，在撥開蛋殼的一刻，衝擊的外觀和特殊的氣味讓他們放聲大笑。異國文化帶來的衝擊和新奇感，奠定他對人類文明與多元文化的興趣，因此投身於考古學研究。 加拿大北部原住民 K’á lot’ine獵人聚落空拍圖（Robert R. Janes提供）   向獵人學習：與德尼族的合作與共創 攻讀考古博士期間，他研究加拿大德尼原住民族(Dene First Nation)文化，然而學校傳統的考古訓練僅提供考古學知識，缺乏對德尼族生活現況的討論。為了真正了解德尼族文化，Janes休學一學期，和妻子搬到德尼族獵人聚落生活六個月。在嚴峻又冷冽的北極圈中，當地人不分異己的關照，使他們得以溫飽。這段經歷使Janes學習到慷慨的可貴，並且相信領導力不是建立在階級或地位，而是出於能力、尊重，與彼此信任。  Robert R. Janes（左）於K’á lot’ine獵人聚落屋頂曝曬熊皮。（Robert R. Janes提供） 威爾斯王子北方資產中心外觀。（Robert R. Janes提供） 1976年，Janes擔任威爾斯王子北方資產中心的創館館長。從未受過博物館專業培訓的他，自嘲形同一張白紙就擔起了大樑。當時，博物館並不受當地原住民族的歡迎，他們認為博物館片段擷取文化的展示方式，形同凍結了文化，宣告他們只存在歷史當中。Janes和館員重新檢視「收藏」與「遺產保存」的意涵，在1981年帶領一群德尼族長者與紀錄片團隊深入部落，憑著祖先流傳的口述記憶，重建以駝鹿皮製作船身的傳統技藝。團隊花費三個月所搭建的駝鹿皮船，如今是威爾斯王子北方資產中心的常設展中最具代表性的展品之一。 Robert R. Janes（左）請德尼族的兩位長者Johnny 與Elizabeth Yakaleya辨識出土的考古器物。（提供 Robert R. Janes） 德尼族傳統文化中用駝鹿皮包覆的船（提供 威爾斯王子北方資產中心）   保有文物的靈魂：格蘭堡博物館文物返還計畫 1989年．Janes轉任格蘭堡博物館館長，不料剛上任政府就停止補助，導致博物館面臨破產。他不得不解僱150位館員中的25位，卻遭致館員的對立，還收到解僱員工的死亡威脅。然而，無論所處的條件多麼不利，他仍持續反問「為什麼？」，以確保每一決策都是從使命出發。 Janes曾主持加拿大史上最大宗的文物返還計畫。格蘭堡博物館長期收藏原住民族社群黑腳聯盟（註釋1）祭祀時所用的草藥捆包（medicine bundle）。過去格蘭堡以「出借」方式，讓捆包回到部落中進行儀式，結束後再歸還館方。依照博物館的標準文物典藏流程，捆包進入庫房之前必須先冷凍殺蟲、殺菌。然而在族人眼中，捆包不只是物件，是如同骨肉、具有靈魂與血脈的神聖象徵。Janes和館員Gerald Conaty（民族學諮詢委員）驚覺，博物館視為「專業」的入藏過程，對族人而言形同扼殺神聖靈魂的酷刑。 此後，Janes開始反思博物館典藏方法與文物脈絡的衝突與對立，領悟到「讓物件回到那些知道該如何使用他們的『專家』身邊」才是最合適的保存方式。自2000年起，他重新盤點庫房中性質重複或較少展出的藏品，並徵詢族人的意見，十年間共返還黑腳聯盟超過250件藏品。 格蘭堡館員與黑腳聯盟代表於文物返還啟動儀式中合照。右二為Robert R. Janes；右一為Gerald Conaty。（提供 Robert R. Janes） 即便對部分管理階層而言，藏品減少是博物館的損失，然而文物返還與當地原住民族締結了深厚情誼，帶來金錢無法衡量的價值。任職期間Janes積極學習黑腳聯盟的文化，更邀請18位族人策劃常設展Niitsitapiisini: Our Way of Life。真誠的交流深受族人認同，Janes和Conaty也因此獲得族人賜予傳統族名OTAHKO OHKIPTOPii，象徵他們是受族人尊敬的一員。 黑腳聯盟Kainai人的賜名典禮。（提供 Robert R. Janes） 共同面對氣候創傷：氣候正義聯盟 氣候異常已造成造成許多無法挽回的災難，Janes認為氣候危機（climate crisis ）已演變成危害當代文明的氣候創傷（climate trauma），是多重危機相互交織的複合危機（poly-crisis）。他強調，不只科學博物館該面對氣候創傷，所有館舍都該正視氣候異常的危機，進而達成氣候正義（climate justice）。Janes串連眾多加拿大館舍，在2016年共同創立氣候正義聯盟（The Coalition of Museums for Climate Justice），提供具環保及永續意識的策展指南及諮詢管道。 魁利克姆海灘博物館「我們有電力/力量」（We Have The Power）新常設展，透過介紹電力與生態保育知識，讓觀眾了解每個人都有力量為環境盡一份力。（提供 魁利克姆海灘博物館） 2023年，受到聯盟的永續策展概念所啟發，加拿大魁利克姆海灘博物館（Qualicum Beach Museum）的新常設展透過介紹電力、能源、生態保育與資源永續的觀念。尤其場址比鄰地方原住民社群，故展覽以介紹原住民與自然共存的智慧為核心，探索應對氣候變遷的解決之道。除此之外，聯盟提供許多建議讓展覽更具永續性，例如：製作方便收納或移展的展品，以便未來巡迴展出。Janes更提醒策展單位應以生動的故事與物件充實內容，而不是依賴高耗電、耗能的展品吸引觀眾。如此一來，不僅減少展覽耗費的資源，讓枯燥的科學發電知識貼近觀眾生活經驗，更促進地方觀眾與原住民族文化對話的空間。 不畏時代洪流的救生艇：為博物館的未來掌舵 與Janes對談或通信時，他總是謙遜而詳細的答覆，體現了不斷學習與反思的自律態度。今年，Janes透過著作《Museum and Societal Collapse: The Museum as a Lifeboat》（暫譯《博物館和社會衰敗：博物館作為救生艇》）再次敲響警鐘，期盼激發同業重新思索博物館的存在意義。他強調，博物館不應與世隔絕、堅守權威形象，而應主動面對當代的危機，實踐社會責任，進而串連社區力量，成為協助大家度過難關的救生艇。 Janes認為，「我們正處在決定博物館未來意義的分水嶺。」雖然商業機制是博物館持續營運的基礎，但是絕對不能被市場機制所操控。他相信由理念出發的細微轉變，可以擦出點燃重大變革的火花。希望博物館人偶爾也能停下腳步，靜心思索博物館為何、為誰、為了什麼理念而存在？探尋出博物館在21世紀無可取代的當代意涵與使命。 註釋： 註釋：黑腳聯盟（The Blackfoot Confederacy）是加拿大原住民社群，由四大族群組成，分別為居住在加拿大亞伯達省的Kainai, the Northern Piikani，和 Siksika，以及美國的蒙大拿州地區的Southern Piikani族群。