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Volume 2, Number 5, September-October 2006 
Message from Ian E. Wilson
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 Ian E. Wilson Librarian and Archivist of Canada Source |
Nearly four million Canadians claim Irish heritage--a considerable segment of our population. In light of this, and with growing research interest in the Irish-Canadian legacy, Library and Archives Canada (LAC) is committed to facilitating access to documentary heritage collections that support and advance this important area of study.
Earlier this year, LAC launched a new website entitled The Shamrock and the Maple Leaf, which features many Irish-Canadian documents, photographs and sound recordings from the LAC collection. Additionally, in December 2005, LAC formed a research partnership with the National Archives of Ireland (NAI). Recognized as a world leader in the digitization of archival material, LAC will assist with the digitization, indexation and eventual placement online of the Irish Census records for 1901 and 1911. Having access to these materials online, free of charge, is of considerable interest to the Irish diaspora around the world.
To further address growing interest in Irish-Canadian studies, and to showcase our national and international partnerships with leading figures in this field, it is my pleasure to announce that Library and Archives Canada will host the Irish Studies Symposium in September 2006. The symposium will be open to the general public on Saturday, September 23, at the University of Ottawa Residential Complex, 90 University Street, Ottawa, Ontario.
The event will bring together specialists in Irish-Canadian studies from across Canada and Ireland, as well as resource experts from LAC, the NAI, and Parks Canada. Presentations will explore major areas of study, including themes such as "Memory, Materials, Media," "Migration, Emigration, Immigration," and "Diaspora, Diplomacy and the State." The symposium will conclude with a round table discussion of "Directions in Irish Studies," providing an opportunity for dialogue between specialists and the public. These activities will facilitate greater access to sources of information on Irish-Canadian history and culture, as papers presented at this symposium will be added to The Shamrock and the Maple Leaf Web exhibition.
For program information on the Irish Studies Symposium, please look for updates at www.collectionscanada.ca/whats-new/013-264-e.html. You may also contact Kristina Lillico (613-943-0236; kristina.lillico@lac-bac.gc.ca) or Steven Artelle (613-992-2561; steven.artelle@lac-bac.gc.ca) for more information.