The Western Development Museum in Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, has launched a new exhibit showcasing local art and history.

The installation highlights marginalized voices within the region, providing a public record of experiences that have historically been omitted from traditional prairie narratives. By centering these stories, the museum aims to broaden the community's understanding of regional identity.

Reports on the nature of the display vary. CTV News said the installation is a "hairy" new art exhibit [1]. However, CBC News said the project is an oral-history portrait exhibit [2].

The exhibit focuses on 2SLGBTQ+ seniors from the Prairies [2]. According to CBC, the display features 12 individuals through a series of portraits and recorded histories [2]. These accounts offer a glimpse into the lives of older adults who navigated the social and legal landscapes of the region.

Among those featured in the collection is Peter Lippmann, who is 73 [2]. The exhibit also includes Lyle Weber, aged 63 [2]. Their stories form part of a larger effort to document the intersection of age, gender, and sexual orientation in Western Canada.

The museum's decision to host the collection in Moose Jaw places these narratives in a prominent public space. This approach ensures that the oral histories of the 12 seniors [2] are preserved for future generations of researchers and visitors.

“The installation highlights marginalized voices within the region.”

The inclusion of 2SLGBTQ+ oral histories in a regional institution like the Western Development Museum signals a shift toward more inclusive curation in Canadian prairie museums. By documenting the lives of seniors, the museum is transitioning from a focus on industrial or pioneer history to a more comprehensive social history of the region.