Kamloops Museum launching new exhibit this week

Jun 24, 2023 | 8:08 AM

KAMLOOPS — On Friday, June 30, 2023, the Kamloops Museum and Archives opens a new exhibition, Len. This exhibition features popular Kamloops-based political leader the Honourable Leonard Stephen “Len” Marchand Sr.

Marchand was Canada’s first person of First Nations status elected to the Canadian parliament and Canada’s first Indigenous federal cabinet minister. This exhibition will focus on a recent donation of family photographs and work with the Marchand family to discuss the conditions that gave rise to Marchand’s achievements and approach to creating social change.

Featuring a rich selection of photographs culled from family albums and archives, the display also showcases some of the objects and records that link to Marchand’s life, primarily in politics.

“As a family, we were very fortunate to witness so many important events – events that involved amazing people endeavouring to transform the world,” said the Marchand family. “We were also fortunate that these events and people were captured on film and in documents. Placing these precious items with the Kamloops Museum and Archives means they will be safe and accessible for future generations.”

“The Kamloops Museum and Archives is honoured and proud to collaborate with the Marchand family and Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc on an incredibly important and beautifully crafted celebration and exhibition on the life and legacy of the Hon. Len Marchand Sr.,” said Julia Cyr, the City’s Museum Supervisor. “The Marchand family generously donated their family archive to the KMA’s Archives so that our community can benefit and learn from one of Canada’s greatest leaders and champions for Indigenous rights. The KMA will continue to share our local stories and community voices, collaborate and enhance relationships with Tk’emlúps te Secwe̓pemc, and continue to walk a genuine path toward Truth and Reconciliation.”