What's New

What's New

Library and Archives Canada Celebrates International Human Rights
Anniversary with Important New Collaboration

Ottawa, December 10, 2008—Library and Archives Canada (LAC) today acknowledges the 60^th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights with the Canadian Museum for Human Rights (CMHR) by jointly launching a new website with the CMHR.

For this celebration, the CMHR has embarked on its work in the area of education with the creation of its first virtual exhibition entitled Everyone Has the Right: A Canadian and The Words that Changed the World (www.humanrightsmuseum.ca/). LAC has been instrumental in the launch of this inaugural exhibition.

"This collaboration will prove to be beneficial to all Canadians" stated Ian E. Wilson, Librarian and Archivist of Canada. "For LAC, the launch of the Museum provides yet another opportunity to provide access to our collections and to demonstrate how Canadians have contributed to our democracy worldwide. For the CMHR, our national archival collection will provide essential content, informing all Canadians and visitors of important topics related to human rights."

"The CMHR is envisioned to be a national and international destination - a centre of learning for Canadians and people from around the world," said Patrick O'Reilly, Chief Operating Officer. "This first virtual exhibit was possible thanks in large part to the participation and support of the Library Archives Canada. We look forward to exploring future collaborations with the LAC as we set out on our historic journey, opening Canada's historical artefacts and archives to new audiences."

LAC's contribution to CMHR's first virtual exhibition has been substantial. Notably, LAC has identified archival records, offered interpretive captions for each document, digitized all documents for the inaugural exhibit and provided advisory services and support for copyright permission requests.

Some of LAC's documents related to human rights include information and original documents related to Chinese, Ukrainian, Black and Aboriginal experiences in Canada. For more information human rights or to undertake research, visit www.collectionscanada.gc.ca

About Library and Archives Canada

Library and Archives Canada preserves the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations. LAC is a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. LAC 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.

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Information:
Pauline M. Portelance
Senior Media Relations Officer
Library and Archives Canada
819-994-4589 or 613-293-4298