Balance & Connection in the Desert - Lindsie Bruns

As a first-time attendee and presenter at the WMA Annual Meeting, my experience in Tucson in September 2024 was wonderful. The conference's theme, Balance, was apparent in every session, conversation, and interaction. My own participation in the panel discussion session on The Complex Journey of Decolonizing Colonial Institutions was part of an important conversation about broadening the narrative and rethinking how stories are told in museums. It was inspiring to connect with others on similar journeys, all of us aiming to create more inclusive and human-centred museums. 

Initially, I was unsure how relevant the conference content would be to my work as one of only four Canadians amongst hundreds of American participants. I quickly realized that many of the issues we face are shared across borders. The sessions were incredibly relevant, and I connected with many individuals with similar perspectives. Being in a room full of like-minded people, all of us eager to dismantle colonial legacies and reshape how museums engage with history and culture, was both empowering and humbling. 

Set in a beautiful desert resort, the annual meeting offered more than just connection with my peers. The gorgeous landscape and abundant wildlife (we saw many types of birds, bats, butterflies, wild pigs and even a rattlesnake!), provided a powerful metaphor for the conference theme of Balance—the balance between nature and humanity, heritage and progress, work and life. 

One of the key takeaways was the need for museums to shift from being collections-driven to people-centered. A recurring theme in the sessions was that museums should focus more on community and stories, rather than treating objects as the centre of the experience.  

Throughout the conference, I was reminded of the importance of listening to and working with communities, particularly those whose histories have been marginalized. Decolonizing museums means building relationships with these communities and ensuring they are active partners in the interpretation and representation of their own histories. 

 _{Star Crop Eared Wolf (left) and Lindsie Bruns (right) ready to present at WMA 2024}

Another important message was about balance in our personal and professional lives. The demanding nature of museum work can make it hard to find equilibrium, but the keynote and several other sessions highlighted the need to prioritize family, health, and well-being.  This was a welcome reminder that we must take care of ourselves to be effective in our work. 

The opportunity to connect with colleagues from across North America was invaluable. Hearing about their projects, struggles, and successes was both inspiring and validating. It reinforced that meaningful change is happening in museums, and we are all part of this movement toward more inclusive, community-focused institutions. 

I’m incredibly grateful to have received the Wanda Chin Scholarship that helped cover some of the expenses. As all of us who work for small non-profits know, funding for professional development is always a challenge. The scholarship allowed me to participate fully in the conference with less of a financial burden, and I deeply appreciate that support. 

The conference was not just about the sessions and lectures—it also included day trips to local museums, art galleries, and a botanical garden. Overall, the conference was a perfect blend of professional development and personal reflection. The connections I made with others, the insights I received from the sessions, and the beauty of the surrounding landscape left me feeling inspired and hopeful.  

I’m excited to carry this energy forward as I continue to challenge the status quo in my work. I’m grateful for the scholarship that made this experience possible, and for the new connections and insights that will help guide my work in the years to come. 

Lindsie Bruns is the Director of Creative Experience at The Confluence Historic Site & Parkland (formerly Fort Calgary) in Calgary, Alberta, Canada. She has degrees in Archaeology and Anthropology and over 20 years of experience in museums. Lindsie is also a mother of four, a farmer, and a fibre arts enthusiast.