Toward Truth and Reconciliation: decolonizing archives in Ontario

The Archives Association of Ontario (AAO) is pleased to share the first of two pages aimed at supporting the Truth and Reconciliation process and improving access to Indigenous focused archival and cultural resources. Toward Truth and Reconciliation (http://aao-archivists.ca/truth-and-reconciliation) is a dedicated page aimed at assisting Ontario's archival community to navigate the path toward the decolonisation and Indigenization of our practice. The page consists of free and openly available resources for those seeking to critically examine:

·         Colonialism, the legacy of the residential school system, and Indigenous issues in Canada;

·         The diversification of collections as part of the truth and reconciliation process;

·         Access barriers for Indigenous peoples to institutionally held archival holdings;

·         The ethics of collection use and digitization.

Recognizing that the reconciliation process is one that requires listening, reflection and action, the Toward Truth and Reconciliation page has been conceived as an evergreen resource that will evolve over time. We thank those who have already contributed and welcome input about areas for improvement.

As a next step, the AAO will be developing a dedicated page aimed at improving access to Indigenous focused archival holdings and cultural heritage items in Ontario. We invite you to forward information regarding these types of resources that may not be currently captured in Archeion for inclusion on this page. Online exhibits, digitized collections, community-based initiatives and finding aids are encouraged.

All comments and suggestions can be directed, by email, to the AAO’s Web Administrator at webadmin@aao-archivists.ca.