Collections Native Internship - Grand Rapids Public Museum (2/14/25)

Posted 1/22/25

FLSA Status: Part-Time - up to 20 hours/wk for up to 16 weeks

Wage: $1000 per month per semester

Semester: Winter/Spring Semester 2025

Application Process: Letters of Interest accepted through February 14, 2025

Interested candidates are invited to apply by emailing humanresources@grpm.org with the subject line “Internship”. The application should include a succinct self-introduction and a statement outlining motivations for pursuing the position. Must be 18 years of age or older to be eligible.

SUMMARY: The Grand Rapids Public Museum (GRPM) is pleased to announce the Collections Native Internship. This internship aims to support the Anishinaabe Curator and Collections Department in performing their duties. This position reports directly to the Anishinaabe Curator. This Collections Native Internship provides a unique opportunity to contribute to the content and design of a core museum exhibit, fostering collaboration with diverse stakeholders and honoring cultural heritage through meticulous research and planning.

PROJECTS, RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES: The Collections Native Intern will undertake a multifaceted role dedicated to successfully realizing GRPM objectives. Key responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

• Cataloging and Archiving: Skillfully manage cataloging efforts, ensuring accurate and organized recording of artifacts, documents, and related materials within established databases.
• Compliance and Ethical Considerations: Familiarize yourself with the Native American Graves and Repatriation Act (NAGPRA) requirements, ensuring adherence to ethical and legal mandates pertaining to cultural heritage preservation.
• Collaboration and Consultation: Collaborate effectively with tribal nations, project partners, and community collaborators to ensure culturally sensitive and well-informed decisions during the planning process.
• Content Creation: Contribute to written materials, including editing and crafting content that adheres to scholarly standards.
• Event Planning: Assist in the planning and execution of events, workshops, and programs, fostering community engagement and education.
• Research and Documentation: Engage in stewardship and interpretation of artifacts and objects for the Anishinaabek exhibit redesign, including consultation with the Eshtoojik Advisory Council, THPOs, and Collections staff.

WORKSKILLS:

• A candidate with the ability to be a self-motivated learner who is enthusiastic and capable of working independently.
• The candidate will have strong people skills, communicate effectively, and the ability to follow both oral and written instructions.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• A demonstrated interest in fields such as museum studies, ethnography/cultural anthropology, cultural resource management, history, or library sciences.
• Strong connections to the Anishinaabe community, reflecting an understanding of cultural sensitivities and heritage considerations.
• Self-motivation and a proven ability to engage in independent learning and research.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with an attention to detail and scholarly rigor.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: Ability to lift up to 25 pounds, bend, stoop, reach and climb ladders up to twelve feet. Fieldwork opportunities to participate in traditional harvesting and preparation of materials may occur and would require traveling through various rough terrain.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: Professional, educational business setting.