Scope and Content Monthly ACA Newsletter
June 2025, Volume 6, Issue 6 |
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Click here if you are having trouble reading the newsletter.
Scope and Content will be published July 3, 2025. If you have any comments or feedback, please contact the Communications Committee.
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Hello archival colleagues. The countdown is on! It is hard to believe that our annual ACA Conference is mere days away. Our Program Team and Host Teams have planned an amazing program of workshops, presentations, and events. I am so excited to be able to celebrate our 50th Anniversary in person. While I appreciate the accessibility of a virtual conference, there is something to be said for reconnecting in person with colleagues and friends from across the country. My message this month will be brief. The annual Members’ Input session was held on May 15 with a good turnout. This meeting always takes place prior to the Annual General Meeting, which will be held on June 19 starting at 10 AM PT/1 PM ET. I encourage all members to join us. The ACA sent a letter of concern about the auction of historical Hudson’s Bay Company artifacts to Richard Baker, Governor, CEO, Executive Chairman of HBC, and Alvarez & Marshall Canada Inc.,the court-appointed Monitor for HBC. This letter can be found on the Advocacy page of our website (archivists.ca/advocacy). A big thank-you to the Public Awareness and Advocacy Committee for drafting this letter on behalf of the ACA. And some good news about our advocacy efforts. One of the members of the Australian Society of Archivists (ASA) read our statement of support for US Archives, Libraries, Museums, & Cultural Institutions and encouraged the ASA to share this statement with the Australian archival community. Thank you to our colleagues in Australia for amplifying our messages! On that note, I am off to prepare for the conference. I hope to see many of you there. Please find me and say hello if you are in Ottawa. Anna Gibson Hollow ACA President
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Very soon the celebrations in Ottawa will commence and I would once again like to thank the Conference Planning Committee, led by Max Otte, for their continual work on this and future conferences as well as thank both the Program and Host Teams, led by Patti Harper and Shannon Hodge respectively, for planning a schedule worthy of a 50th Anniversary. I am looking forward to attending the sessions but even more so to meeting with all the ACA members, both old and new. This is my first in-person conference as a Board member and while I know it may be a busy time, I do hope there will still be time for us to gather in shared spaces and perhaps to even cheer for the Oilers in the Stanley Cup.
While we wait for the 2025 Conference to begin, I would like to acknowledge that it also marks the end of this term for me as Vice-President. In some ways this feels as if it has been an unprecedented time to be on the Board, but perhaps it always feels like that, especially if one is new to the Board. It has been overwhelming at times, but in the end this has been one of the most satisfying and rewarding things I have taken on. Thank you once again to all my fellow board members; you have all helped to fill the last two years with laughter and passion. It has been an honour to have had this chance which has led to making wonderful friends and allowed for those ever-important opportunities to continue to forge those bonds that lead to our sense of community. These past two years have served to not only re-ignite my passion for this profession but to also be inspired by those who are a part of it.
While none of us may know what the future holds or be able to stop the fact that it seems like every time we turn around there is more news that affects our work and that of the GLAM sector as a whole, we need to continue to look to our community for strength and support. The ACA’s 50th comes at a good time to remind us that we need to continue to hope for the best but also that we need to put in the hard work to continue to ensure our profession remains one that cares for, preserves, and bears evidence to our collective history. Elbows Up everyone!
Angela Fornelli
ACA Vice-President |
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Social Media Update
The ACA Social Media Team has an exciting update – you can now follow us on Bluesky at archivistsdotca.bsky.social! Join us as we gear up for the conference, follow along for your favourite updates about Archivaria, In the Field, and Scope and Content, and of course, come celebrate hashtag parties on our newest platform! |
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Celebrate ACA’s 50th with Our Revamped Fellows Page!
As part of the Association’s 50th anniversary celebrations, the ACA is excited to share the newly updated ACA Fellows webpage! Dive into the rich history of Canadian archivists and explore the remarkable contributions of our Fellows over the years.
Previously available only as a PDF, each Fellow now has their own dedicated page featuring updated biographical information and an associated image.
This project has been a year in the making and reflects a wonderful collaboration between the Nominations and Awards Committee and the Website Working Group. Special thanks as well to ACA Summer Office Assistant Mickenna Ward for her valuable contributions.
Take a look, share with your colleagues, and help us celebrate 50 years of the ACA! |
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Winnipeg Selected as the Host City for the 2027 Conference
The Association of Canadian Archivists is pleased to announce that the 2027 Conference will be held in-person in Winnipeg, Manitoba, on the original lands of the Anishinaabeg, Ininiwak, Anisininewuk, Dakota Oyate, and Dene, and on the National Homeland of the Red River Metis. The Winnipeg archival community looks forward to welcoming ACA to the heart of the continent. We look forward to gathering in this place steeped in history and rich in culture. Help us celebrate the University of Manitoba’s 150th birthday, discover treasured cultural heritage collections housed within the Hudson's Bay Company Archives, the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, and the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, or take time to savour our amazing patio season. Plan to visit Winnipeg in June 2027!
#OnlyInThePeg #CanadasMiddleChild |
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Keep your ACA Member Profile up to date! We kindly ask all our members - both new and longstanding - to take a moment to log into the Association of Canadian Archivists website and update their member information. Keeping your profile current helps us stay connected and ensures you receive the latest updates, resources, and opportunities from the ACA community. Your engagement is key to our collective success!
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Nominations and Awards Committee (NAAC)
The Nominations and Awards Committee are pleased to announce the following candidates for the ACA Board Election:
Vice President:
Angela Fornelli, City of Kawartha Lakes*
Patti Harper, Carleton University
Secretary:
Alexandra Mills, Concordia University*
Director-at-large 2:
Amanda Oliver, Wilfrid Laurier University*
(* indicates incumbent)
You can read the candidates bios on our web site.
All voting members will receive an online ballot via email. Institutional Members should ensure that their designated representative is clearly identified within their member profile with accurate contact information. If you need support entering your institutional delegate name or updating your membership profile, please reach out to the ACA Office. Updates will be accepted until end of day, June 10, 2025.
Elections will open June 12 and close end of day June 18, 2025, 11:59 PM PT/ June 19, 2025, 2:59 AM ET.
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Call for Photographs – past ACA conferences and events
Do you have any images of past ACA conferences or events? The 2025 Host Team is looking for images to help celebrate ACA’s last 50 years during the upcoming conference in Ottawa. Any questions or photographs can be emailed to Host.Team(at)archivists.ca.
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ACAF Silent Auction
The ACAF Silent Auction will open on June 6, 2025 on the website Followmybid. The auction will close June 12 at the dinner/dance. Please help support the Foundation’s work advancing education for students and professionals in archival sciences, record-keeping and information management. If you have any questions or have ideas for prizes, please contact Kyle Pugh at treasurer(at)archivists.ca. Prize submissions can still be added to the auction! If you would like to contribute, submit here. |
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Above is a selection of some of the wonderful items donated to the silent auction! Thanks to everyone who has helped. |
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ACA Hashtag Party
You’re invited to the ACA Hashtag Party!
What is it?
On the last Thursday of every month, the ACA Social Media Team organizes a hashtag party, which takes place virtually on Facebook, Instagram, and Threads. There is a different theme for each month, which we announce on social media and ARCAN-L in advance. On the day of the party, you can share materials in your collections related to that theme, tag us and use the hashtag, and we’ll re-share your post. The goal of the parties is to engage more with institutions across Canada, see what kinds of materials other institutions have, and promote weird, fun, and interesting items from your own collections. What’s next? The next ACA Hashtag Party will take place on June 26, 2025, and the theme will be #ArchivesFamily. Is there a particular family that's important to the history and development of your archives? Or are there family photographs or other materials in your collections that are particularly heartwarming, amusing, or captivating? Share your favourite materials related to birth families and found families, and don’t forget to tag us and use the hashtag so we can re-share your posts! We are also looking forward to celebrating with you for the rest of the year. The dates and themes for the remaining ACA Hashtag Parties in 2025 are as follows: July 31, 2025: #ArchivesImmigrants August 28, 2025: #ArchivesArchitecture September 25, 2025: #ArchivesUniqueItems October 30, 2025: #ArchivesWomensHistory November 27, 2025: #ArchivesEnclosures December 2025: [holiday break] Keep an eye on future issues of Scope and Content and on all our social media accounts to learn more about what each of these themes mean! For any questions or feedback, or if you have initiatives that you would like the ACA Hashtag Party to support, please email us at communications(at)archivists.ca. |
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Carr McLean Discount Available for 2025
The Carr McLean
10% discount is available for both Individual and Institutional ACA
members for the entire membership year. This discount can be applied to
any order over $100 and is non-transferable. Contact the ACA Secretariat at executive.director(at)archivists.ca for the new discount code that will remain effective until December 31, 2025.
Don't forget to visit the Carr McLean table at the conference exhibitors hall! |
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Archivaria 99 The Spring 2025 issue of Archivaria 99 is now available online! Print versions will be mailed out to members and subscribers in the next few weeks. To view the current issue or browse past publications, click here. Please join us in offering a special thank you to Heather Home for her tireless dedication to the role of General Editor. |
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Conference Planning Committee
The Conference Planning Committee needs volunteers! Are you interested in the long-term planning of the ACA’s conferences and assisting the Program and Host Teams’ work? For more information, please contact Max Otte, CPC Chair, at conference.planning(at)archivists.ca.
Chair Positions Open for ACA Special Interest Sections
We are currently seeking passionate and dedicated volunteers to chair two of our Special Interest Sections: Government Records (G.R.S.I.S.) and Environment Special Interest Section (E.S.I.S.).
As a Chair, you will play a key role in leading discussions, organizing events, and advocating for best practices within your section. This is a fantastic opportunity to make a meaningful impact, collaborate with fellow archivists, and contribute to the advancement of our profession.
If you are interested in volunteering for one of these important roles, please contact John Richan at DAL1(at)archivists.ca with a brief statement of your interest and experience.
ACA Financial Review Committee (FRC)
The ACA’s Financial Review Committee (FRC) is looking for volunteers for a two-year term. The FRC is responsible for reviewing financial policy, budgets, and safeguarding the financial assets of the Association. These positions are open to all members. If you're a financial whiz, or hoping to hone your budgeting chops, we're happy to have you join us!
If you have questions, please contact Kyle Pugh at treasurer(at)archivists.ca. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up using the Volunteer Form. Please note, all volunteers with the ACA are required to abide by the ACA's Volunteer Code of Conduct.
ACA Governance Committee
The Governance Committee needs volunteers. If you are interested in volunteering, please sign up using the Volunteer Form. If you have any questions, please contact Shamin Malmas at shamin_malmas(at)sfu.ca.
Emerging Professionals and Student Special Interest Section
Are you a student in an archives-related program or new to the profession? Do you have an interest in growing your professional network and engaging in a supportive environment? Join our team in re-establishing the Emerging Professionals and Student Special Interest Section. We are currently looking for ACA members to help develop and implement the Special Interest Section in its earliest stages. Students and emerging professionals are integral to the ACA and the broader archival community, and this is a great opportunity for you to assist in creating a supportive space.
For more information or to express your interest, contact Carolyn Smith at Carolyn.Smith(at)dal.ca. We look forward to bringing back this Special Interest Section in the 2025/2026 year!
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In the Field: The ACA Blog
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In Case You Missed It: Rights & Records: Filipino Community Archives and Activism by Isabel Carlin, researcher at the School of Public Policy and Global Affairs at the University of British Columbia (UBC).
ACA 50th Anniversary Logo, an interview between Olivia White, designer of the ACA 50th anniversary logo and Amanda Oliver, director at large for the ACA. In the Field is currently preparing to launch new initiatives in 2025 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the ACA. Stay tuned for more information about ways you can get involved in engaging with the history of archives in Canada! If you’d like to submit a blog post, please read and complete this form. We look forward to your contribution! |
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The ACAF has added two new items to its store:
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Limited edition and numbered ACA Anniversary Print. Designed and printed by the Carleton University Book Arts Lab, this beautiful print is only $75 + tax. Prints come in a plastic sleeve, but a tube can be purchased for an additional $3 for safe transportation.
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ACA vintage Arthur Doughty Mugs. Unearthed recently! There are a limited number of mugs produced by the ACA, which feature an authentic likeness of Arthur Doughty, and the quote ,“Of all national assets, archives are the most precious: they are the gift of one generation to another and the extent of our care of them marks the extent of our civilization.” Mugs are $20 + tax each.
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These items and more can be purchased online and picked up at the ACA Conference in Ottawa, or shipped to you directly (note that shipping costs are priced separately). All proceeds go toward funding publicly available scholarships, bursaries, and other financial assistance for post-secondary students, graduates, and professionals who are pursuing education and training in the fields of archival sciences, record keeping and information management! |
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Call for Papers - Tábula Journal Wars, armed conflicts, immigration and wild borders, climatic and natural disasters. The media reports on these contingencies often present apocalyptic facts and images with speculation about their repercussions in geopolitics.Through a close examination of news sources, traces of those who have suffered can be found even when overshadowed by more tempting journalistic targets – by looking through the photographs, oral testimonies, and other firsthand records accompanying them. Public sentiment often veers toward libraries and books when thinking about the cultural losses brought about by destruction, abandonment, or acts of hatred and violence against spaces of institutional knowledge. But the greatest threat to a community’s ability to rebuild can be the disappearance of records, the destruction of archives, and the legacies around identity, rights, and property that they protect. For its 28th issue, Tabula is calling for original papers on the following topics: - Documentation of human conflicts: wars, armed conflicts, immigration, wild frontiers;
- The media in conflicts;
- The elimination of documentation during conflicts;
- Documentation of climatic and natural disasters;
- Documentation of climate change;
- Archival planning in the face of human and natural disasters;
- Disaster recovery in archives;
- The role of digitalisation in emergency and disaster management;
- Essential institutional records;
- Vital personal and collective records;
- Oral and photographic memory of disasters;
- The protection of documentary collections;
- Essential records for surviving disasters;
- Violence against records and archives;
- Violence against the truth: disinformation;
- Documenting without papers: the records of othering; and
- What papers? Papers for what? Records as a form of exclusion.
View the Tabula publication rules and full Call for Papers here. Papers must be submitted through the online submission system before July 31, 2025.
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Submit your job opportunity here and it will be posted to the ACA website. We will also share this opportunity on our social media channels.
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Don't forget to visit the Atlas Systems' Exhibitor booth at the ACA Conference! |
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Do you have news you’d like the ACA to share via its social media channels? The Communications Committee has created a form you can use to give us the details!
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The next issue of Scope & Content will come out on
Thursday, July 3, 2025. See you then!
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Contact Us
Suite 1912-130 Albert Street
Ottawa, Ontario K1P 5G4
Tel: 613-383-2009
Email: aca@archivists.ca
www.archivists.ca
The ACA office is located on the unceded, unsurrendered Territory of the Anishinaabe Algonquin Nation whose presence here reaches back to time immemorial.
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