Scope and Content Monthly ACA Newsletter
July 2025, Volume 6, Issue 7 |
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Click here if you are having trouble reading the newsletter.
Scope and Content will be published August 7, 2025. If you have any comments or feedback, please contact the Communications Committee.
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This year’s conference in Ottawa went by in a flash and I would like to begin this month’s message by thanking everyone for all the hard work that went into organizing and carrying out the ACA's 50th Anniversary conference in Ottawa. Thank you one last time to Max Otte, interim Chair of the CPC; Patti Harper, 2025 Program Team Leader; Ferrin Evans, for assembling the Program Team; and Shannon Hodge, 2025 Host Team Leader. It was amazing to get to be a part of the behind-the-scenes work that goes into an in-person conference. I'd also like to thank the Secretariat for all their hard work helping in every capacity.
Although I wasn’t able to attend all of the planned presentations, I had the profound honour of chairing the roundtable session Creating a Healing Archives for Sixties Scoop Survivors with Elder Philomena Sanderson, Wayne Garnons-Williams, and Marilyn Osecap.
There are rare moments in life when bearing witness feels less like observation and more like sacred trespass—when the depth of what’s unfolding is so intimate, so emotionally charged, that being present feels both a privilege and a responsibility. This session was one of those moments.
It would not be an exaggeration to say the experience left a deep impact on everyone in the room. For those of us descended from colonial settlers, it’s safe to say we did not leave that space the same way we entered.
The only other time I’ve witnessed something with a comparable emotional resonance was in the 1990s, sitting quietly with my parents as they listened to “Stranger on the Shore”—a song they hadn’t heard in over twenty years. As the music played, they drifted into a space entirely their own, lost in memory and each other, the rest of the world momentarily fading away.
For me, these two moments sit at opposite ends of the spectrum of our profession—the care and preservation of memory. One deeply personal, the other profoundly collective. Both a reminder of why this work matters. 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! 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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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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ACA 2025 Post-Conference Survey
The Conference Planning Committee is seeking your feedback on the ACA 2025 Conference held in June. Your feedback is important for the planning of future conferences! Please fill out the form here. The deadline for submissions is July 10, 2025.
Thank you! |
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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 July 31, 2025, and the theme will be #ArchivesImmigrants. Immigrants have long been an important part of the fabric of Canada, and many archives have the great honour of stewarding the histories of how immigrant populations have contributed to their local, provincial, and national communities. For this party, share your favourite materials related to the notable figures and families from your collections who have migrated to Canada from around the world, 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: 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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ACA Award Winners
The following awards were given out at the ACA 2025 Conference for service to archives and the ACA:
Honorary Archivist: Elder Albert McLeod
Membership Recognition: Gordon Burr
Larry Dohey Award: Patti Bannister
ACA Fellows: Lara Wilson and Loryl MacDonald
Thank you for your work, and congratulations on the award! |
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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 is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Rebecka Sheffield (Archives of Ontario) as incoming General Editor. Rebecka’s 3-year term will begin with the publication of Archivaria 100: Legacies of Critical Theory in Archives (Fall 2025), a highly anticipated special issue in recognition of the 50th anniversary of the journal and the 30th anniversary of the English language translation of Jacques Derrida’s Archive Fever: A Freudian Impression. Archivaria 100 is guest edited by Dr. Mario H. Ramirez (The City College of New York, CUNY). The Editorial Board of Archivaria would like to recognize the tremendous work of outgoing General Editor Heather Home (Queen’s University), who will continue to support the journal as Past General Editor. Archivaria welcomes back Shyla Seller as interim Managing Editor. Also joining the editorial board are Dr. Jessica Lapp, Dr. Amy Furness, Dierdre Bryden, Catherine Barnswell, and Ariane del Brun. Thank you to François Dansereau, Shiham Alaoui, and Shadrack Katuu, who have ended their terms. |
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ACA Communications Committee
The ACA Communications Committee is seeking a new Chair! As Chair, you will oversee a team of nine excellent volunteers from across Canada working on one of three teams: social media, In the Field (the ACA’s blog), and Scope and Content (the ACA’s monthly newsletter). Chair duties include scheduling and leading monthly committee meetings; attending biannual meetings of all committee chairs and Board members; recruiting, interviewing, and hiring new committee members as needed (approximately once or twice per year); acting as the main point of contact for the Board, all other committees, and special interest sections seeking to publicize information through official ACA channels; liaising consistently with the Program and Host Teams for the ACA annual conference;and much more. This role is well-suited to those with leadership and management experience, or those looking to gain such experience, as well as those with strong organizational skills and big-picture thinking. Email communications(at)archivists.ca to express your interest or ask questions!The ideal start time for a new chair would be August 2025.
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!
Membership Committee
The Membership Committee is seeking a new member! The membership committee promotes membership in the ACA, works on new services and benefits for members, and coordinates the popular Mentorship Program to help those new to the profession. If this sounds like something in which you would like to be involved, please submit an online application here. If you would like to learn more about the Membership Committee before you put your name forward or have questions about Committee activities, please contact Curtis Frederick, Committee Co-Chair, at membership@archivists.ca. Thank you for considering joining!
Nominations and Awards Committee
The Nominations and Awards Committee (NAAC) is looking for new members! I have reached the end of my term on this committee, where I have served as Chair for the past four years. Two other members have reached the end of their terms as well, so there are currently at least three vacancies. NAAC is responsible for receiving nominations for ACA awards and Board elections, selecting award winners, and administering elections. The committee's work is very structured as we work around the ACA's calendar for elections, the AGM, and the annual awards ceremony. The workload is highest during the election period and awards selection, but lighter for the rest of the year. Other projects that NAAC has taken on in recent years include updating the Fellows biographies for the ACA website, reviewing the Elections Policy, and reviewing and updating award criteria.
As someone who joined this committee four years ago as a job-hunting new professional, I would like to emphasize the benefits of volunteering for committees as a new grad or student! Volunteering for NAAC gave me the opportunity to meet other archivists from across the country and gain experience chairing a committee. I also had the chance to participate in events like the awards ceremony. If this sounds like something you would like to volunteer for, please submit an ACA Volunteer Form and contact me (Alice Albarda) or Gillian Leitch with any questions. |
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Call for 2026 Virtual Conference Program Team Chair
The ACA is seeking a Conference Program Team Chair for the 2026 Virtual Conference. This is an opportunity to shape the conference program and give back to your professional community.
Responsibilities:
The 2026 Program Team Chair will oversee the annual conference,from recruiting the members of the Program Team to leading the development of the conference theme and overall programming.The Program Team Chair is (thankfully!) not responsible for all aspects of the conference and works closely with the Conference Planning Committee (CPC), the ACA Office, and the members of the Program Team. Specific duties include leading the Program Team to:
Time Commitment:
The Program Chair will begin planning work in the summer of 2025 by forming the Program Team and beginning work on developing a conference theme. The Program Team typically meets once a month, excepting the period when the committee is evaluating proposals for inclusion (which is more time intensive), and the Program Team Chair is expected to attend monthly Conference Planning Committee meetings. If selected, the Program Team Chair is expected to attend the Conference that will be held virtually in June 2026. The Program Chair is also responsible for identifying and contacting plenary speakers. This requires a large time commitment, and it is recommended that interested individuals have some institutional support.
Qualifications:
You must be a member in good standing of the Association of Canadian Archivists. Preference will be given to individuals with previous ACA volunteer and conference planning experience. The successful candidate should have some of the following attributes:
Application Process:
Please submit a short expression of interest of no more than 250 words detailing your qualifications, conference planning (or similar) experience, and engagement with ACA to executive.director@archivists.ca by end of day July 28, 2025.
The Association is open to considering Co-Chairs should that be of interest. Interested parties are encouraged to reach out to CPC Chair Max Otte at conference.planning@archivists.ca or Ottawa Program Chair Patti Harper at Program.Team.2025@archivists.ca if they have any questions or would like to discuss this opportunity.
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In the Field: The ACA Blog
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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 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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Northeast Document Conservation Center Webinars
July 10 – August 21 - Fundamentals of AV Preservation (6 sessions)
The Instructor-led Fundamentals of Audiovisual Preservation course gives participants the foundation needed to be effective collections stewards for audiovisual materials. Learn more here.
July 22 - Thinking Outside the Box When Boxing (1 hr)
This talk is geared towards library, archives, and museum professionals charged with collections care. We will discuss how to navigate archival supply catalogues to find the necessary tools and supplies to create customized enclosures on-site. Learn more here. All upcoming training opportunities can be found here. |
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Call for Papers - Tábula Journal
For its 28th issue, Tabula is calling for original papers on the following topics:
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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Society of American Archivists – Archival Outlook
Our friends and partners to the south have a new issue of their publication out now! Click here to browse the Society of American Archivists’ May/June 2025 issue of Archival Outlook. |
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SAA ARCS Models and Resources Committee
The SAA ARCS Models and Resources Committee is happy to announce that these 15 webinars are now approved for re-certification credits through the Academy of Certified Archivists:
If you were unable to attend a live webinar, you can view recordings at the SAA ARCS Resources YouTube channel Instructions for obtaining ACA re-certification credits:
Instructions for obtaining re-certification credits:
• Log into Prolydian:
• Click on Applications
• Click on Submit CE
• Enter date of the webinar event
• Manually enter webinar code For more information, please see the ACA Certification Maintenance page. |
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The Lives of the Unknown: Andrée Lévesque and the Creation of the Archives Passe-Mémoire
Award-winning documentarian Catherine Annau explores the work of historian Andree Levesque in this short piece about the Archives Passe-Mémoire. The Archives Passe-Mémoire, housed in Montreal, are a collection of letters, personal papers, diaries and autobiographies of people with connections with Quebec; all submissions include attestations of truth, yet can be retained as anonymized entries, include pseudonyms, or carry access restrictions that make them ineligible for submission to other archives. |
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From Erasure to Evidence: Why Queer Archives Matter with Raegan Swanson
In this podcast from StartUp Canada, Raegan Swanson, Executive Director of The ArQuives, discusses the responsibilities of leading an archive dedicated to queer and trans histories, the role of archives in combating misinformation, and the importance of preserving the stories of marginalized communities. |
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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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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, August 7, 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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