African Memories in Canada: From Minority Narratives to Institutionalization

Panel Summary and Objectives

African communities have long been active contributors to the vitality of Canadian society, yet their narratives remain underrepresented in certain spheres of heritage representation. This conference explores precisely how these memories and narratives can be more fully recognized, documented, and embedded within Canadian museums and heritage institutions. It also examines the challenges of representation posed by the diversity of African experiences, as well as the conditions necessary for their histories and heritages to become a lasting part of the Canadian public sphere. Ultimately, this discussion aims to foster a greater recognition of how African memories enrich, complement, and play a full part in shaping the collective narrative and heritage of Canada.

Speakers 

• Eric Impion, PhD candidate in Anthropology, University of Ottawa
• Jonathan Paquette, Full Professor at the School of Political Studies and Chairholder of Chaire de recherche en francophonie internationale sur les politiques du patrimoine culturel, University of Ottawa
• Sinda Ben Rbii, PhD candidate in Museum Studies, Université du Québec en Outaouais
• Nathalie Mondain, Associate Professor and Supervisor of Undergraduate Studies in African Studies at the School of Sociological and Anthropological Studies, University of Ottawa

Moderator

• Jean Didier Ogobani, Journalist, Radio Canada