Giving back – 2021

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.

Total Donations from September 2021 to September 2022

Value of pro-bono hours donated to Indigenous history projects

Water First

At any given time, there are more than 100 First Nations communities across Canada under drinking water advisories. We are committed to raising funds and awareness to support the need for clean drinking water on reserves. This March, we sent hundreds of reusable water bottles to participants across the country. Every time someone re-fills and scans their water bottle, Know History donates $1.00 to Water First, Canada’s leading charitable organization working with Indigenous communities to resolve local water challenges. We have pledged to donate $10,000 this year, every penny of which will go directly to Water First.

Water First

Know Indigenous History Scholarship

This year Know History established a $50,000 endowment at Carleton University to create a scholarship that will be awarded annually to an Indigenous student entering a Master’s degree program in either the Department of History or the School of Indigenous and Canadian Studies. We have committed to increasing the endowment each year until it covers the full cost of an Indigenous student’s tuition. We see this scholarship as a practical way that Know History can provide space and support for Indigenous scholars, and therefore contribute to decolonizing the field of history.

Know Indigenous History Scholarship

Auntie Up!

We are very proud to sponsor Auntie Up!, a podcast created by Tanya Talaga of Makwa Creative that celebrates Indigenous women. The series highlights Indigenous leaders and discusses a range of important topics, from water rights to beading as a political statement. Know History provided $35,000 in financial support and we are currently providing additional pro-bono research on podcast topics.

Auntie Up!

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

This summer we were proud supporters of the 2021 Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival. Know History sponsored the Traditional Knowledge Segments, in which Indigenous speakers and community leaders shared stories and knowledge during the Pow Wow and Family Cultural Connections Program. The SSIF’s goal to support the decolonization of history aligns with our mandate to provide a platform for sharing Indigenous history and honouring traditional knowledge keepers.

Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival

Holiday Giving

In December, we undertook a very personal charitable giving campaign. We asked our team to nominate local families who were facing financial difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Know History donated $5,000, which was distributed to nine families. These donations were made without fanfare and families received a cheque that they could use however they saw fit.

Holiday Giving

Movember

In November, our staff participated in a Movember fundraiser to raise money and awareness about suicide, prostate cancer, and testicular cancer, three of the leading causes of death among young men. Know History provided $2,500 in matching funds and together the entire team raised $8,500.

Movember

BC Heritage Fair

This marked our second year as sponsors of the British Columbia Heritage Fair. Heritage Fairs is a nation-wide, bilingual educational initiative that encourages students to explore Canadian heritage through a medium of their choice, and tell stories about Canadian heroes, innovators, sacrifices, and tragedies. Heritage Fairs offer an opportunity for youth to learn about Canada’s past in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

BC Heritage Fair

2020 Orange Shirt Day

On September 30, 2020, our team wore orange to honour and remember residential school students, survivors, and their loved ones. In support of Orange Shirt Day, the Know History team made a donation to the Legacy of Hope Foundation. We will continue to support this movement in 2021 and are currently supporting the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation as they prepare for Truth and Reconciliation Week.

2020 Orange Shirt Day

Kahnawà:ke Oral History Project

We are very proud to partner with the Mohawk Council of Kahnawà:ke and the Kanien’kehá:ka Onkwawén:na Raotitióhkwa Language and Cultural Center to gather, record, and share the oral histories of Kahnawà:ke elders. This community driven project is designed to preserve and present an essential part of the cultural heritage of Kahnawà:ke to community youth, including the knowledge, wisdom, and sources of identity that are contained in the life stories of elder’s remembrances of families, the land, and community life.

Kahnawà:ke Oral History Project

1881 Nisga’a Delegation Research

Know History conducted archival research for a citizen of the Nisga’a Nation who was interested in learning about written historic records related to the 1881 Nisga’a Delegation. In April 1881, the delegation made the long journey to Victoria to protest ongoing issues between the provincial government and Indigenous peoples living along the Nass River in British Columbia. Our project team identified a variety of archival sources related to both the protests and the events leading up to them.

1881 Nisga’a Delegation Research

An Introduction to Oral History – Historical Calgary Week

This year, Know History hosted “An Introduction to Oral History: A Practical Demonstration,” as part of Historic Calgary Week. This workshop offered attendees the chance to learn about the basics of oral history from our experienced historians. Our team demonstrated the application of oral history theory and foundational elements through a mock interview.

An Introduction to Oral History – Historical Calgary Week

Know History Webinar Series

Know History’s webinar series was created as part of our ongoing response to the Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Specifically, the series addresses Call to Action 92, which urges corporations to educate management and staff on the history of Indigenous peoples. Our webinars are offered to the public and designed in partnership with Indigenous educators, leaders, and activists.

Know History Webinar Series

An Introduction to Canadian Residential Schools

July’s webinar offered an introduction to the history of the residential school system in Canada, including its origins, policies, and impacts. Over 2,000 people registered for the presentation, which focused on the history of the Mohawk Institute Residential School in Brantford, Ontario. The presentation was given by Elder Rick Hill of the Beaver Clan of the Tuscarora Nation of the Haudenosaunee at Grand River; Dr. Alison Norman, a Senior Historian at Know History; and Ryan Shackleton, Know History’s Director.

An Introduction to Canadian Residential Schools

Check other years reports:

2022

2023

2024

Check other years reports:

2021

2023

2024