Library and Archives Canada (LAC) will provide $1.5 million to support 41 projects (including 26 new projects) by archives, libraries and documentary heritage institutions throughout Canada. Five projects submitted by organizations from the Prairies will be funded under the Documenary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP).

“Supporting communities to provide greater digital access to their collections will ensure that Canadians will have even more opportunities to discover their heritage, wherever they live in Canada. Congratulations to the organizations that have received funding from the Documentary Heritage Communities Program in 2021–22.”

– The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage

“The pandemic has not only prompted us to redefine how we do our work, it has also shown us how important it is for LAC to remain committed to supporting documentary heritage institutions during these unprecedented times. We are proud to continue our work with communities across the country while navigating our shared path toward post-pandemic normalcy.”

– Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada

“The DHCP's funding has made a real difference in the Pitquhirnikkut Ilihautiniq/Kitikmeot Heritage Society's capacity to record video interviews, and edit and translate them for export to our YouTube channel. Having local Inuinnait staff that have the capacity to do this work on a daily basis will help immensely in our efforts to preserve Inuinnait traditional knowledge.”

– Darren Keith, Senior Researcher, Kitikmeot Heritage Society

“Funding from LAC has allowed our institution to digitize and share remarkable film footage of one family's experience before, during, and immediately after the forced uprooting and dispossession during the Second World War. Additionally, we have rehoused 605 films and audio, 2,093 photographs, and 6.15 metres of textual records—our oldest dates to 1864!”

 

– Sherri Kajiwara, Director/Curator, Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre

• The DHCP was created in 2015 to provide financial assistance for activities that enhance the visibility of, and access to, materials held by Canada’s local documentary heritage institutions. The program also aims to increase the capacity of local institutions to sustainably preserve, promote and showcase the country’s documentary heritage. At the end of the selection process, the DHCP will provide contributions for eligible applicants across Canada for a variety of projects that will allow citizens to access and engage with their nation’s history like never before. 

• Incorporated and unincorporated non-profit organizations such as archives, privately funded libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations and societies, professional library and archival associations, and museums with an archival component are eligible to apply for funding under the DHCP.

• Applications received by LAC are reviewed by an external advisory committee.

• Including the amounts allocated this year, LAC’s support for documentary heritage communities has totalled $10.5 million since the DHCP was launched in 2015.

• The next funding cycle will be launched in fall 2021. 

Associated links

• Documentary Heritage Communities Program

Media Relations
Library and Archives Canada
819-994-4589
bac.media.lac@canada.ca

Note: To obtain the contact information for recipients of funding under the Documentary Heritage Communities Program for 2021–2022, please contact Library and Archives Canada.