InterpActive Planning with Jacquie Gilson

09/25/2025

Day 3 was another amazing day. So thrilled to hear all the ideas participants were sharing.

Wow! Today—day 2 of our 2025 National Online Workshop, Making Meaning, Making Change—was powerful, with emotion and reflection throughout. We know that as interpreters, we have the opportunity to change hearts and minds and that this can mean taking our visitors, ourselves and even our coworkers or leadership on challenging journeys.

We are incredibly grateful to today’s presenters and panellists: Stephanie Chong, Madison Bridal, Golmehr Kazari, Shelby McCannel, Lorenda Calvert, Jenny Ford, Erin Poulton, Heather George, Amber Berard-Althouse and Dr. Sharanjit Kaur Sandhra. Thank you for sharing your voice or for supporting the IBPOC communities. Thank you for your willingness to tackle challenges within cultural institutions, not just with the 100+ attendees today but also in your organizations and the interpreter community. We are inspired by your efforts and dedication.

If you attended today, we hope you continue to reflect on what you heard and stay in dialogue with others on this important topic.

We look forward to the third and final day tomorrow.

09/16/2025

Congratulations to all!

Head on over to our website to check out the 2024 Interpretation Canada Awards of Excellence projects and recipients.

These awards demonstrate the diversity and quality of Canadian interpretive experiences—all delivered by passionate interpreters. They include an exhibit exploring henna art, a biodiversity podcast and programs exploring medicinal teas and species at risk from human activities or invasive species—and more.

If you’re attending Day 3 of our upcoming National Online Workshop (Sep 23-25), you can join us as we celebrate these worthy projects and the professionals that developed them.

View the awards here: https://interpretationcanada.ca/Awards-of-Excellence/2024-Recipients

09/16/2025

I’ll be there! Hope you will too.

If you believe interpretation can be a powerful way to address sensitive topics and inspire change, the 2025 National Online Workshop is for you!

Day 2 will feature transformative case studies from across Canada that explore how meaning making can open space for conversations about cultural stigmas, complex stories, and truths while fostering deeper understanding and connection.

Join us as we learn from voices across the sector who are using interpretation to challenge norms and build more responsible practices and workplaces.

Register today: https://interpretationcanada.ca/2025-workshop-registration

05/06/2025

Excited to be inspired!

Join us tomorrow as we partner with Interpretation Canada for a 90 min FREE virtual workshop on Inspiration!

Dr. Jacquie Gilson will draw from her doctoral research on inspiration in interpretation to explore what keeps visitors, staff, volunteers, and organizations energized and engaged—especially in times of challenge. Together, we’ll reflect on how we can support one another across borders, share ideas that uplift, and most importantly, discover ways to stay inspired in our own practice.

Whether you’re new to interpretation or a seasoned voice in the field, this session offers a spark of connection, reflection, and community.

FREE 90-minute webinar
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
11:00am Pacific / 2:00pm Eastern

Register Here: https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/eFG2IDVESF-eO86XGSMV0g #/registration

04/29/2025

Inspiration Knows No Borders: Interpreters Inspiring Each Other Across Landscapes and Lines
A partnership between Interpretation Canada and NAI
Tuesday, May 6, 2025
11:00am Pacific / 2:00pm Eastern
90 minute webinar FREE

Join your fellow interpreters from across Canada and the United States for a free, interactive webinar that celebrates the power of shared inspiration.

Dr. Jacquie Gilson will draw from her doctoral research on inspiration in interpretation to explore what keeps visitors, staff, volunteers, and organizations energized and engaged—especially in times of challenge. Together, we’ll reflect on how we can support one another across borders, share ideas that uplift, and most importantly, discover ways to stay inspired in our own practice.

Whether you’re new to interpretation or a seasoned voice in the field, this session offers a spark of connection, reflection, and community.

Registration link in comments below.
Interpretive Guides Association
Interpretation Canada: Members' Learning Community
NAI Western region
NAI Northeast Region
NAI Heartland Region
NAI Region 10
Ottawa Museum Network/ Réseau des musées d'Ottawa
National Association for Interpretation: Great Lakes Region

04/10/2025

04/02/2025

Jacquie Gilson

Ten years ago I graduated with my Doctor of Social Sciences and Neil gave me this beautiful sculpture as a gift. Surprises me to think of how fast 10 years has gone. For the first 5 years after completing my degree I put my research to work in my job with Parks Canada. For the last 5 years I have used my research and experience to inspire interpreters to use participatory and conversational techniques to engage with their visitors. I’m wondering what should I do next? How do I best support my chosen profession going forward?

04/01/2025

Ten years ago I graduated with my Doctor of Social Sciences and Neil gave me this beautiful sculpture as a gift. Surprises me to think of how fast 10 years has gone. For the first 5 years after completing my degree I put my research to work in my job with Parks Canada. For the last 5 years I have used my research and experience to inspire interpreters to use participatory and conversational techniques to engage with their visitors. I’m wondering what should I do next? How do I best support my chosen profession going forward?

04/01/2025

Lovely signs of spring found on Brooklyn Creek today.

03/17/2025

There’s just a few herring eggs out there at Kin Beach. 😂

02/26/2025

I’m stoked to talk about how we can make use of new generative AI tools to enhance our interpretation.

🚀 AI & Interpretation: A Sneak Peek into the Future of Guest Engagement and Impactful Communication! 🤖
✨Come join the Interpretive Guides Association and InterpActive Planning with Jacquie Gilson on March 17th to discover how AI can transform the way, we as guides, educators and communicators create impactful programs. In this fast-paced session, explore the power of ChatGPT to craft dynamic, engaging questions and enhance storytelling. Don’t miss out! 🔥🌍
Open to members and non-members.
Register here: https://interpretiveguides.org/events/ai-and-interpretation-a-sneak-peek-into-the-future-of-engaging-guests/

02/21/2025

New interp signs on our forest trail re invasive plants. Good info. Design sucks. Final sign is the best one as it gives viewers suggested actions.