I am strongly committed to making sure that historical records are accessible to all – especially in a time when access to information is becoming increasingly more restricted. Many of the collections housed in Canadian museums were taken from communities who have since lost control over their cultural heritage. I believe that we have a responsibility to acknowledge these wrongdoings and work towards restoring the rightful ownership and agency, even when that could mean stepping back from working with certain material ourselves. 

When ownership is unclear or no longer traceable, I believe that access should be a public right. Everyone deserves the opportunity to engage and learn from historical artifacts and documents that shape our understanding of our history. I am dedicated to preserving these collections with care and integrity, and to making sure they remain secure, transparent, and ethically handled. 

This work is not just about preservation, but also respect, accountability, and my belief that our history belongs to all of us.

Mackenzie King Abbey Ruins – Gatineau Park, Quebec – Matt Marsh

I believe strongly in our responsibility to both safeguard collections while also ensuring open access to them. Security and preservation are essential to archivists, but so is the right to access historical materials. This is especially important for communities whose histories have been marginalized or erased.

This balance is at the heart of current efforts in Canada. In response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Calls to Action, Library and Archives Canada has undertaken a national initiative to digitize, preserve, describe, and provide access to records that reflect the histories and cultures of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis peoples (Government of Canada, 2024). This work sets a precedent that I am committed to continuing to uphold and to base my career upon.

I will uphold the highest standards of preservation, while also working to ensure that collections, especially those with clear and rightful ownership, are made accessible to the public. At the same time, I believe that context matters. Whenever possible, I will work to document and share the stories behind the items, where they came from, who created them, and what they meant to the people they originally belonged to. 

Many of the artifacts that are contained in Canadian museum collections were taken from indigenous communities. It is essential that these communities are given the opportunity to regain authority over their cultural heritage. I support repatriation efforts and believe that preservation and rightful control can and must go hand-in-hand.

These items are not just historical objects. They are living connections to knowledge, memory, and identity. My role as an information professional will be to ensure they are preserved with care, returned when appropriate, and made accessible in ways that honor their origins and the communities they belong to.

I am deeply committed to recognizing and confronting our historical truths, even when they are difficult to face. For too long, many aspects of Canada’s past, particularly those involving the treatment of indigenous peoples, were overlooked or actively concealed. I believe it is our responsibility as information professionals to help bring those truths to light and ensure that history is preserved with honesty and integrity.

The Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action 79(ii) speaks directly to the need for greater inclusion of Indigenous histories in Canada’s national narrative (Government of Canada, 2024). I am committed to supporting that call to action in my work. One area that is especially meaningful to me is the repatriation of indigenous artifacts. These items are not ours to keep. When collections include items that belong to existing indigenous communities, I believe those communities must be given full control over their cultural histories.

If indigenous communities choose to share or display those artifacts, it is my responsibility as an information professional to listen, learn, and honor the cultural meanings behind them. This work will require my humility, respect, and willingness to challenge institutional norms. 

I will advocate for the repatriation and respectful stewardship of collections that belong to indigenous communities. As information professionals, we must recognize that we are not simply historical caretakers, but also mediators of collective memories. We must bring forward the voices of those who are historically suppressed and commit to ethical and inclusive practices throughout our careers.

One of my core personal values is a commitment to continued personal and professional growth within the archival field. I am dedicated to lifelong learning and staying current with new technology and the evolving social environment. In a profession that is constantly changing, I believe it is essential to keep growing to remain relevant and also drive new innovations.

Balancing access and preservation is a core skill for an archivist. I will apply both my creativity and my technical knowledge to address problems that could arise with balancing these two concepts. I will use innovative thinking and develop creative solutions for conflicts when providing access to artifacts that may have sensitive cultural ties. I wish to develop strategies that can honor both access and preservation wherever possible, including high-resolution digitization, virtual exhibits, and adaptive preservation techniques. 

Use of digital tools helps allow access without comprising preservation. At the same time, creative exhibit design can help engage the public and spark interest in Canadian history. By leveraging the tools at my disposal I aim to support a stronger connection between communities and their histories while still upholding the highest standards of stewardship.

My goal is to contribute to an information profession that is inclusive and forward-thinking. Through continued learning and ethical practices I can work to preserve the past in ways that can serve the future.

I am deeply committed to contributing to society by confronting false narratives and presenting history in a truthful, balanced way. By offering Canadians a clear lens through which to view our past, I aim to challenge misinformation and promote a more accurate understanding of Canada’s complex history.

History shapes societies, influencing both actions and their consequences. I believe that by sharing a truthful and inclusive account of our history, I can encourage a deeper understanding of the many different perspectives in Canada and help start meaningful dialogues. Canada has a reputation as a safe and peaceful country, but we must also acknowledge the darker parts of our history to move forward.

Recognizing and understanding these truths is essential for healing together as a nation. It allows communities to address past wrongs and learn from them, moving forward with a commitment to reconcile. I am dedicated to encouraging a more inclusive and thoughtful exploration of Canada’s history, so we can build a stronger and more united future together.

Sources:
Government of Canada: Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2024, April). Museums and archives: Call to Action 69 [Guide]. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524504831027/1557513782811

Government of Canada: Indigenous and Northern Affairs (2024, April). Commemoration: Call to Action 79 [Guide]. Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. https://www.rcaanc-cirnac.gc.ca/eng/1524504831027/1557513782811

All images are my own, and represent my interest in history, archaeology, and archives.