Library and Archives Canada Approves $1.5 Million in Funding for 65 Documentary Heritage Projects

GATINEAU, QUÉBEC--(Marketwired - Dec. 14, 2015) - Library and Archives Canada

The Honourable Minister of Canadian Heritage, Mélanie Joly, and the Librarian and Archivist of Canada, Dr. Guy Berthiaume, today announced the results of the first funding cycle of the Documentary Heritage Communities Program (DHCP). This new Library and Archives Canada (LAC) program will provide $1.5 million in funding to 65 projects led by archives, libraries and heritage institutions across Canada.

The DHCP was created in 2015 to provide financial assistance for activities that augment the visibility of and access to materials held by Canada's local documentary heritage institutions. It also aims to increase the capacity of local institutions to sustainably preserve the country's documentary heritage. The DHCP will provide $7.5 million in contributions over the next five years to eligible applicants across Canada for a variety of projects that will also allow citizens to access and engage with their nation's history like never before.

Through the DHCP and its other activities, LAC is supporting the development of local library and archival communities, and contributing to stability and sustainability of Canada's documentary heritage.

Quick Facts

• Organizations such as archives, privately funded libraries, historical societies, genealogical organizations and societies, museums with an archival component and relevant professional associations, are eligible to apply for funding under the DHCP.

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

• The deadline to apply for the next funding cycle (2016-17) is February 26, 2016.

Quotes

"The Government of Canada is proud to contribute to the important work carried out by archives and libraries across Canada - the local guardians of Canada's documentary heritage."

- The Honourable Mélanie Joly, Minister of Canadian Heritage

"Library and Archives Canada has been impressed with the quality of the projects selected for funding under the DHCP and by the passion of documentary heritage practitioners. This initial $1.5-million funding cycle is only the beginning, and we believe that the coming years will also yield many other exciting projects that will allow Canadians to learn more about their country and themselves."

- Dr. Guy Berthiaume, Librarian and Archivist of Canada-Library and Archives Canada

"Organizations such as ours enthusiastically applaud the creation of the Documentary Heritage Communities Program and the vital support it provides for our initiatives. In the case of the Inuit Broadcasting Corporation, it will help ensure that many, many hours of video footage will be preserved and made more accessible - helping make the unique Inuit story a more enduring and visible part of the broader Canadian story."

- Debbie Brisebois, Executive Director - Inuit Broadcasting Corporation

Associated Links

www.bac-lac.gc.ca/eng

About Library and Archives Canada

The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions. Stay connected with Library and Archives Canada on Twitter (@LibraryArchives), Facebook, Flickr and YouTube.