In February, I had the sincere pleasure to visit Laval University to take part in their 19th Artefact student conference (19e colloque étudiant Artefact). The programme was ambitious, diverse and very inspiring.
As part of the CELAT and Archeometry research group lecture series February 21st, I presented « Une archéologie publique canadienne? Redéfinir la recherche à l’ère
de la décolonisation » (A Canadian public archaeology? Redefining research in the era of decolonization). This paper sought to examine the complexity but also the contributions of digital public archaeology to decolonizing archaeology in Canada. Overall, it was argued that Canadian archaeology today is neither post-colonial nor reconciliatory, but demands changes in language, spirit, and structure to truly change processes of connecting with the past.
On the 22nd of February, I was part of a round table on « Présence et mise en valeur des sciences historiques dans l’espace public » (Presence and enhancing the value of historical sciences in public spaces), animated by Sevia Pellissier with myself, Katherine Cook (archeologist), Evelyne Ferron (historian), Cassandre Lambert-Pellerin (ethnologist) and Catherine Ferland (historian).
Photos of the roundtable (by Yannick L. Côté)
To say that we enjoyed ourselves is probably an understatement – and as the conversation flowed, so many vital topics were covered. In particular, the importance of mobilizing public engagement and collaboration, finding new spaces to encounter history in our cities, and ensuring there are diverse voices and perspectives represented were are the core of the discussion. There were also (friendly) debates about whether or not every one involved in historical sciences (archaeology, history, ethnology, etc.) need be in public spheres – with recognition that there are particular skills, etc. necessary but also that it is critical to socio-political change (do we have the luxury to not be in public spaces these days?)
Dr. Katherine Cook 