Decolonial Archival Futures

by Krista McCracken, Skylee-Storm Hogan

Providing examples of successful approaches to unsettling Western archival paradigms from Canada, the United States, New Zealand, and Australia, this book showcases vital community archival work that will illuminate decolonial archival practices for archivists, curators, heritage practitioners, and others responsible for the stewardship of materials by and about Indigenous communities.

Genres: Nonfiction, Research

112 pages, Paperback

Published August 7, 2023

About the author

Krista McCracken is an award winning public historian and archivist. They work as a Researcher/Curator at Algoma University’s Arthur A. Wishart Library and Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre, in Baawating (Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario) on the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe and Métis people. Krista’s research focuses on community archives, Residential Schools, access, and outreach. Krista is an editor of the popular Canadian history website Activehistory. ca. In 2020, they won the best article in Indigenous History prize awarded by the Canadian Historical Association’s Indigenous History Group for their article “Challenging Colonial Spaces: Reconciliation and Decolonizing Work in Canada’s Archives.

Reviews

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great introduction to decolonizing archives. I wanted a bit more from it in terms of specific actions that could be done rather than just hints and tips. The book gets a bit repeative as the authors remind readers to communicate and collaborate with Indigenous communities in order to create accessible and meaningful spaces. Overall a good start to building up your knowledge about how to better serve Indigenous communities.

[Brianna McLaughlin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great basic introduction to decolonizing archival practices in the US, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand. This book would be meaningful reading in library science archival courses.

[Sadie Ruin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tiny but mighty, great for anyone looking to get started in decolonization work.