Ry Moran Steps In as Acting CEO of Royal BC Museum

The Royal BC Museum has appointed Ry Moran as its acting chief executive officer, effective immediately. This decision follows the conclusion of Tracy Drake‘s term as acting CEO in December 2025. Moran’s extensive background in reconciliation and Indigenous relations positions him to guide the museum during this transitional phase.

Background and Contributions

Ry Moran is recognized for his efforts to enhance Indigenous relationships within both urban and rural communities. Since 2020, he has served as the first associate university librarian at the University of Victoria, where he has focused on reconciliation initiatives that strengthen ties between Indigenous peoples and the wider community. The Royal BC Museum highlighted his proud membership with the Red River Méti as a testament to his commitment to reconciliation.

Before his tenure at the University of Victoria, Moran dedicated nearly a decade to advancing truth and reconciliation efforts at the University of Manitoba and the National Truth and Reconciliation Commission (NTRC) in Winnipeg. His role as the founding director of the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation involved gathering thousands of statements from residential school survivors, ensuring that the histories of Indigenous communities were documented for future generations. This significant work earned him the Meritorious Service Cross, an award presented by the Governor General of Canada in 2018, recognizing his leadership in fostering reconciliation.

A Multifaceted Leader

Moran’s influence extends beyond academia and into the arts. He is a patron of music, well-known at both the University of Victoria and the Victoria Conservatory of Music, where he actively writes and produces original music. His contributions to the music scene have been recognized with nominations and awards, including the Best Original Score at the Canadian Aboriginal Music Awards in 2008.

The Royal BC Museum has experienced a turbulent leadership history, with four CEOs in the past five years. Following Tracy Drake‘s tenure, which lasted from 2023 to December 2025, the museum is hopeful that Moran’s appointment will bring stability and focus to its ongoing initiatives.

In light of these recent changes, the museum continues to seek a permanent CEO. This leadership transition marks another chapter in the museum’s journey, as it strives to connect with its community and address the challenges of the present and future.

For more information about the museum’s executive team and ongoing projects, visit the Royal BC Museum’s official website.

With contributions from Adam Chan.