Terms of Reference
Background
The Government of British Columbia will be launching an engagement process to inform the vision for a new museum in B.C. This museum will highlight the histories, cultures, and contributions to British Columbia from Canadians of diverse South Asian heritages.
Government publicly committed to establishing a museum recognizing the contributions and cultures of Canadians of South Asian heritages to B.C. during the 2020 provincial election and reaffirmed that commitment in the 2020 and 2022 mandate letters for the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport (TACS).
TACS with support from the Parliamentary Secretary for Anti-Racism Initiatives, is to work in consultation with affected communities to advance emerging museum programs and proposals including a South Asian Canadian museum. (Excerpt from 2022 TACS Minister Mandate Letter)
Purpose
In the first phase of this work, the Ministerial Advisory informed and made recommendations regarding the design of a province-wide, community-led engagement process that will shape the vision for a new museum in B.C. focused on the contributions and cultures of people of South Asian heritages living in the province. In the second phase, the Ministerial Advisory role will shift to informing the implementation of the engagement process, participate in key engagement activities, and review of the What We Heard Report(s).
The Ministerial Advisory plays an important role as a conduit into communities and a strategic advisor for an engagement approach that brings together people, communities and groups that have a stake in the conversation in a way that incorporates the principles of equity, inclusion, accessibility, anti-racism, and anti-casteism.
The engagement process will be designed so the final vision for the museum is informed and guided by interested and impacted people throughout B.C. It will provide multiple and different opportunities for participation so that communities and groups from across the province can come together to discuss their vision for a museum/cultural centre, including its location, name, and mission.
Timing
The Ministerial Advisory will remain active for the duration of the engagement process. The engagement process consists of two phases:
| Phase 1: Engagement Design and Planning | October 2023 – December 2023 |
| Phase 2: Engagement Implementation | Early April 2024 – December 2024 |
Ministerial Advisory members may choose to engage in one or both phases.
Composition and Appointments
Members of the Ministerial Advisory are appointed by the Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. The Ministerial Advisory consists of up to 25 members who are chosen for their experience in community-based engagement and/or within the cultural/museum sector as well as lived experience and cultural knowledge from South Asian heritages. The Minister may add or remove members at any time. It is recognized that Ministerial Advisory members availability may not allow for participation in all phases of the work. The Ministerial Advisory members consent to their names being publicly communicated in connection with this project.
Efforts have been made to establish an Ministerial Advisory reflective of the diversity of South Asian communities with members across generations, geographies, languages, genders, sectors, and community connections. However, members of the Ministerial Advisory are not asked to be representatives or to speak on behalf of their organization or their identity groups, nor is it assumed that the communities with representation around the Ministerial Advisory table will be the ones engaged in the process or given visibility within the museum. The Ministerial Advisory is a starting point for broader engagement with communities and will contribute their input throughout the project.
Roles and Responsibilities
The role of the Ministerial Advisory is to:
- Inform the development/design of the engagement plan;
- Share engagement opportunities within their communities; and
- Optional: support in the coordination of and/or facilitation of community-led conversations during Phase 2 of the engagement process.
Responsibilities of the Ministerial Advisory members are as follows:
- Participate in three design workshops between October-December 2023. The first meeting will refine the role of the advisory and the subsequent meetings will refine the engagement plan;
- Review and provide feedback on ideas for the engagement process;
- Attend community engagement sessions alongside the project team, listen, and share information;
- Review the draft What We Heard Report and provide feedback.
Advisory Co-Chairs
The Advisory meetings will have two co-chairs on a rotating basis, based on expression of interest. Co-chairs are consulted on meeting preparations including agendas and other materials and may preside over portions of the meetings.
Compensation
Travel expenses and honoraria of $200 per meeting will be provided. In addition to participation in the workshops/meetings, there is a possibility of a request for consultative advice between 6-8+ hours from October 2023-June 2024 and continuing into phase 2. Honorarium of $150 per hour is provided for these hours.
Communication Guidelines
Ministerial Advisory members agree to abide by Chatham House Rules in meetings, which state that participants are free to use the information received, but neither the identity nor the affiliation of the speaker(s), nor that of any other participant, may be revealed. There will be a concerted effort made to share speaking time during meetings and, use respectful language. Translation will be provided for those who need it. Any concerns with how the meetings unfold can be brought to the attention of the co-chairs, meeting facilitators or ministry staff.
Changing the Terms of Reference
The Ministerial Advisory may suggest changes to these Terms of Reference. All changes require the Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport approval.
Advisory Members:
- Am Johal (phase 2 co-chair)
- Balbir Gurm (phase 2 co-chair)
- Haiqa Cheema
- Harjit Dhillon
- Haroon Khan
- Jinder Oujla-Chalmers
- Jindi Singh
- Karimah Es Sabar
- Parminder Virk
- Sahil Mroke
- Upkar Tatlay