“Until the lions have their own historians, the history of the hunt will always glorify the hunter.” ― Chinua Achebe
Introduction
In the complex tapestry of global narratives, the absence of a story is a story in itself. The stories that remain invisible, unrecorded, and uncelebrated are not just gaps, but they embody a silent yet forceful imbalance and disrespect towards non-Western ways of knowing, feeling, and living. By delving deeper into the narratives that are deliberately excluded and those that are always highlighted, we uncover a longstanding colonial cycle, one that reproduces, perpetuates, exploits, and oppresses non-Western ways of understanding, experiencing, living, and connecting to the world, others, and ourselves (Beals, Thomas, Fernández, Wilson, & Palmer, 2021). This imbalance and disrespect are not just academic issues, but they have profound implications for our understanding of the world and our place in it.
What is Archival Work, and Why is it important?
Archival work fundamentally involves the systematic management of records preserved for their historical, evidential, and cultural significance. Archivists are tasked with collecting, organising, preserving, and providing access to information that holds enduring value, thereby ensuring that future generations have the means to understand their heritage. Archives serve as vital repositories of collective memory and significantly influence societal identity by selectively preserving certain narratives over others (Nesmith, 2003).
Historically, archives have often supported dominant narratives, reinforcing existing power structures and cultural hegemonies through selective preservation and access policies. This is evident in settler colonial states like Canada and Australia, where archival practices have historically been aligned with colonial policies, often to the detriment of Indigenous records and narratives (Nesmith, 2003; McKemmish, Faulkhead, & Russell, 2011). The power to shape historical narratives carries significant responsibilities and has profound implications on national identity and collective memory. As societies continue to evolve, the imperative for archival practices to adapt is clear. This adaptation includes a conscious move towards decolonizing archival practices to ensure a more inclusive and truthful engagement with the past. In this context, Krista McCracken’s work at Algoma University in the Shingwauk Residential School Centre serves as a pertinent example of how archivists can collaborate with communities to decolonize the archive, thus embracing a more inclusive approach to preserving history (McKemmish, Faulkhead, & Russell, 2011).
Decolonizing the Archives: Insights from Krista McCracken’s Perspective
Krista McCracken, an archivist and curator at the Shingwauk Residential School Centre, is deeply involved in the critical work of decolonising archival practices. Working in this field since 2010, McCracken has dedicated their professional life to making archives more accessible and reflective of Indigenous perspectives. Their work not only involves preserving historical records but also ensuring these archives are accountable to and shaped by Indigenous communities.
The Importance of Decolonizing the Archive
For McCracken, decolonising the archive is crucial because traditional archival practices have supported settler colonial frameworks. Historically, archives were established by governments or religious institutions and used to legitimise nationhood and colonial endeavours, frequently marginalising Indigenous narratives.
Krista McCracken stated: “Archives are really part of settler colonialism. They’re part of the colonial project… Quite often, archives were set out by states or governments and used archives as a way to legitimise things like nationhood.”
McCracken’s approach challenges this legacy by advocating for archives that are not only inclusive but also responsive and accountable to the needs and rights of Indigenous peoples.
Challenges of Decolonization
As McCracken highlights, decolonising archives presents a multitude of challenges. One significant hurdle is institutional inertia within traditional archival bodies, such as government and church archives. These institutions often lack the necessary commitment to redirect resources and reframe archival practices around Indigenous participation and leadership. Furthermore, decolonising involves extensive time and effort dedicated to building and maintaining relationships with Indigenous communities, requiring both financial investment and a shift in institutional priorities and methodologies.
Krista mentioned, “Some of the challenges are getting that institutional buy-in and getting the resources and the people to actually do this work, particularly if it is very time-consuming and detail-oriented.”
Lessons Learned and Pathways Forward
From their extensive experience, McCracken has gleaned numerous lessons about effectively engaging in this transformative work:
- Community-Centric Practices: True decolonisation of archives involves re-centering the control, organisation, and access of archival materials around the communities they represent. This shift ensures that archives serve as living resources that respect and reflect the lived experiences and sovereignties of Indigenous peoples.
Krista explained: “Decolonial approach archives means that indigenous peoples are involved in everything from how the centre is governed to policy development, to looking at what material is made accessible to the general public.” - Institutional Challenges: Overcoming traditional archives’ entrenched practices demands persistent advocacy for structural change within these institutions. It also requires education about archives’ colonial histories and the ongoing impact of those legacies.
- Diversifying the Field: McCracken emphasises the importance of diversifying the predominantly white archival profession. Encouraging and facilitating the entry of Indigenous individuals into archival work is crucial. This can be achieved through alternative educational pathways, mentorships, and internships that acknowledge and value the unique skills and perspectives Indigenous peoples bring to the field.
- Valuing Indigenous Voices and Narratives: Central to McCracken’s work is the inclusion of Indigenous voices and narratives in the archival process. This not only enhances the relevance and accuracy of the archives but also supports the educational processes essential for communities affected by historical injustices.
Krista reflected: “I love being able to support individual survivors and intergenerational survivors, but then also communities… being able to be part of that is so tremendously moving.” - Public Awareness and Engagement: Lastly, McCracken advocates for increased public engagement and awareness of the importance of archives, not just as repositories of history but as foundational elements of the present.
Krista observed, ” Archivists aren’t very good at selling themselves. Even just exposing younger people to what archives have to offer, I think, is really part of that work.”
In summary, Krista McCracken’s work and insights provide a compelling case for the decolonisation of archives. They highlight the need for archives that not only preserve history but do so in a manner that is just, inclusive, and reparative. Through their dedicated efforts, McCracken underscores the potential of decolonised archives to contribute significantly to the acknowledgement of past injustices. Their work serves as a powerful example of how archives can evolve into instruments of justice and truth.
Conclusion
Krista McCracken’s work at the Shingwauk Residential School Centre exemplifies the transformative potential of decolonizing archives. Their efforts focus on reshaping archives to honor and accurately reflect the histories of Indigenous communities, moving beyond mere preservation to actively reclaim and restore narratives that have been systematically marginalized. This process challenges traditional archival practices that have often perpetuated colonial narratives, instead centering Indigenous voices to foster a more inclusive and comprehensive historical discourse. McCracken’s approach not only highlights the complexities and diversities of experiences but also provides critical insights for institutional change. These insights emphasize the importance of community engagement and the diversification of archival practices, essential for transforming archives into spaces that celebrate and respect all facets of human history.
References
Achebe, C. Üntil, the lions, have their historians.
Beals, A. M., Thomas, D., Fernández, J. S., Wilson, C. L., & Palmer, G. (2021). Resisting the coloniality and colonialism of a Westernized community psychology: Toward a critical racial justice praxis.
McKemmish, S., Faulkhead, S., & Russell, L. (2011). Distrust in the Archive: Reconciling Records. Archival Science, 11(3), 211-239.
Nesmith, T. (2003). What’s History Got to Do With It? Reconsidering the Place of Historical Knowledge in Archival Work. Archivaria, 57, 6-24.
Archives Have the Power to Boost Marginalized Voices | Dominique Luster | TEDx Pittsburgh (youtube.com)
Call for Action & Reflection on Decolonising Archives (youtube.com)
Stolen Lives 