Giving back – 2023
Giving back – 2023
For 10 years Know History has worked to capture many of the unique stories that make up our past, inform our present, and inspire the future. As we consider ongoing efforts to decolonize the how and why we work, it is a top priority to ensure that when we give back to the community, it’s not only impactful, but also effective. We accomplish this goal through thought leadership, scholarships, pro bono projects, and monetary donations.
The below report outlines our impact over the past year.
Indigenous History & Heritage Gathering
The inaugural IHHG held in Ottawa in June 2023, welcomed over 350 attendees from across Canada. The gathering brought together diverse groups who are working to amplify the distinct stories of Indigenous Peoples across Turtle Island. Guided by addresses from Indigenous changemakers and visionaries, the conference was a space to examine the many ways that history has been used as a tool of colonialism and to envision a better path forward. The conference addressed issues surrounding historic claims, archival research, Indigenous language and culture and residential schools among other subjects relevant to Indigenous history. The three-day event was a remarkable experience for many, with one participant reflecting that: “It was amazing to attend a conference where Indigenous heritage was the focal point, not a side-stream.”
Indigenous History & Heritage Gathering
RBC Bluesfest
In July 2023, Know History proudly sponsored the RBC Bluesfest, an annual outdoor music festival in the nation’s capital. Know History worked with Ojibwa artist Mark Rutledge to display Mark’s work on the big screen during the performance by Mumford and Sons. Through his design, Mark honours Indigenous Peoples Day and the stories that make up Indigenous history. The design featured a turtle to represent Turtle Island (or Mother Earth), and the trees growing from the turtle’s back acknowledge and pay respect to the land. The lunar cycle and the binary relationship between day and night feature heavily in the design: the sun, shown prominently in the centre, is balanced by the 13 sections of the turtle’s shell, which align with the 13 full moons. Finally, the line connecting these elements shows how everything is inherently connected to one another. Seeing the beautiful design come to life on a screen of such prominence was nothing short of an extraordinary experience.
RBC Bluesfest
Métis of Nation of Alberta Audrey Poitras Golf Tournament
The Métis Nation of Alberta hosted the 23rd Annual Audrey Poitras Golf Tournament in June. Know History was honoured to sponsor the event, with all proceeds from the tournament went toward the Métis Nation of Alberta Benevolent Fund. Our team also participate in the tournament, earning a remarkably high score for their efforts.
Métis of Nation of Alberta Audrey Poitras Golf Tournament
Iqaluit Cod Derby
Held in May, the 3rd annual Iqaluit Cod Derby saw participants compete to catch the largest cod, a popular and historically significant fish in many coastal communities. Know History proudly sponsored the event as fishing has been a longstanding practice for Inuit. We are thrilled to have been part of the derby that brought the community together and celebrated local history.
Iqaluit Cod Derby
Active History: Indigenous Voices
Active History is a platform that connects the work of historians with the wider public and shares the importance of events from past to present. Know History is proud to support Active History by partnering together to publish a new series in 2024 titled Active History: Indigenous Voices. The series will enable First Nations, Inuit, or Métis authors to publish their work on the platform. The project is currently taking proposal submissions from prospective authors.
Active History: Indigenous Voices
Auntie Up!
Know History is a long time fan and sponsor of Auntie Up!, a podcast created by Tanya Talaga of Makwa Creative that is for, by, and about Indigenous women. Hosts Jolene Banning and Kim Wheeler bring Indigenous stories to the mainstream, from water rights to women’s sexual health. As part of Know History’s sponsorship of the program, our team has provided pro-bono research to create “Know History Moments” for each episode. Check out Auntie Up! on Spotify or Apple Podcasts and subscribe to hear the latest!
Auntie Up!
Modern Treaties: Honouring our Past; Building our Future
At the end of February, Know History was proud to support the Land Claims Agreements Coalition’s 9th national conference in Ottawa. The event featured high-profile speakers, Indigenous leaders, intensive working group discussions, technical training sessions, presentations of academic research, film screenings, and cultural performances. The conference also shared an engaging Our Future Leaders youth program with attendees, as the gathering profiled modern treaties, their transformative power and the relationships required by them. The conference served as a space for connection, conversation and relationship building to support full implementation of modern treaties and an improved Crown-Indigenous relationship.
Modern Treaties: Honouring our Past; Building our Future
Northern Lights
Know History was thrilled to be a presenting sponsor for Northern Lights, a bi-annual business and cultural showcase held in Ottawa. The event highlights northern arts, culture, and heritage from Labrador, Nunavut, and Nunavik. It is also a key event designed to strengthen partnership between northern and southern organizations and governments.
Northern Lights
Chapleau Cree First Nation Book
Jennifer David and Chapleau Cree First Nation Community Trust are working in collaboration with Know History to develop an e-book that shares Chapleau Cree First Nation’s journey to negotiate their Treaty Land Entitlement claim, and to address unmet promises made under Treaty 9. Know History is proud to provide a portion of our work as an in-kind donation to support this important project.
Chapleau Cree First Nation Book
Archival Image Posters – EPLS
Know History has had the honour of working on numerous projects in Nunavut. Much of our work has focused on locating and sharing archival documents and images with community members. We are always honoured to support local communities and help them navigate the archival images acquisition process. We were thrilled to work with EPLS Group of Companies to develop a series of interpretive posters that showcase the vibrant history and culture of the Arviat and Rankin. Know History is handling all aspects of this project including image selections, image credits and rights, design, printing, shipping, and client communication.
Archival Image Posters – EPLS
National Gathering on Unmarked Burials
Know History has been privileged to support the Office of the Special Interlocutor in its critical work of recovering missing children and unmarked burials. In 2023, Know History supported and attended all five sessions of the National Gathering on Unmarked Burials. We attended these events at the invitation of the OSI and offered workshops for attendees on the archival research process. To learn more about the vital work being undertaken by the Office of the Special Interlocutor see their Interim Report, “Sacred Responsibility: Searching for the Missing Children and Unmarked Burials.”
The Interim Report identifies common concerns that Survivors, Indigenous families, and communities have identified as they search and recover the missing children and unmarked burials.
National Gathering on Unmarked Burials
Researching the Missing Children: An Introduction to Conducting an Archival Research Project
“Researching the Missing Children: An Introduction to Conducting an Archival Research Project” was developed as a resource to support Indigenous Nations in their ongoing work to find missing children and unmarked burials associated with residential schools. The booklet provides an overview of how historical documents can support this work, and an introduction to the archival research process. The booklet has been provided as a physical resource at the National Gatherings on Unmarked Burials that have been held across Canada.
Researching the Missing Children: An Introduction to Conducting an Archival Research Project
Historical Documentary Workshop
In February, Know History hosted a free introductory workshop in Calgary on making historical documentaries. Capturing Alberta’s Stories brought heritage professionals and community members together for a day of learning. Attendees learned best practices for creating authentic historical documentaries, as well as tips for engaging audiences.
