Inclusive commemorations initiative

 
Parks Canada not only protects Canada’s many ecosystems and species, but also preserves the cultural heritage of the many different people living within its borders. The Inclusive Commemorations Initiative (ICI) is part of important steps that Parks Canada is taking to highlight the diverse narratives that shape the country’s past and present.

For the Initiative, Parks Canada is engaging racialized communities to identify opportunities for commemoration, with the objective of making the National Program of Historical Commemoration more inclusive.

Objectives

The objectives of the Initiative are to generate new nominations for the National Program of Historical Commemoration, increase awareness of the program, build relationships, and involve communities in improving how diversity is reflected in telling and commemorating history in Canada. In delivering the Initiative, Parks Canada is working collaboratively with communities towards a new way of sharing history at Parks Canada’s heritage places — one which includes diverse voices, presents multiple perspectives and inspires conversations about Canada’s past, present and future.

Engagement sessions

The Inclusive Commemorations Initiative concluded a series of five virtual engagement sessions over the course of January, February and March 2022. Each session ran 2.5 hours, and included approximately 10-15 people. A total of 57 invited participants had the opportunity to present their ideas for new nominations, share their commemoration experiences and perspectives, and discuss the National Program of Historical Commemoration.

Discussion questions

Here are examples of questions discussed in the engagement sessions:

• What are some examples of historical commemoration and related work you have been involved with?
• What are some of your ideas for new nominations for the National Program for Historical Commemoration?
• What do you think of the Program, and how do you think it can be more inclusive?
• What are some examples or ideas for innovative and engaging commemoration?

Contact

To send ideas for new nominations or enquiries about the National Program of Historical Commemoration, contact us at clmhc-hsmbc@pc.gc.ca. For enquiries about the ICI Project, contact ici@pc.gc.ca.