ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the concept of engagement zones and then focuses on two engagement zone products: indigenized curatorial practice and coproduced exhibits. It argues that while a worthy and honorable pursuit, engagement is limited as to what it can achieve within current museological practice, and engagement does not automatically grant integrity or validity to museum exhibits. The chapter analyzes community engagement in theory and practice at Canadian case study museum and collaboration with local Indigenous Blackfoot First Nations communities. The chapter proposes that, when museums work with communities, an engagement zone is created. It draws on original data collected over twenty-four months in the field between 2006 and 2009, researching the case studies and conducting forty-eight-in-depth digitally recorded interviews with museum and community members supplemented with participant observation, archival research, and exhibit analysis. The Alberta Museums Association requires museums meet its definition of a museum for them to be formally recognized and designated by the association.
