Historica Canada is a Canadian charitable organization dedicated to promoting the history and citizenship of Canada through educational programs and resources offered in both official languages, English and French. Established on November 9, 1999, it was originally known as the Historica-Dominion Institute, formed from the 2009 merger of the Historica Foundation of Canada and The Dominion Institute. The organization adopted the name Historica Canada in September 2013. As a registered charity (Business Registration Number 885434720RR0001), it operates nationally, reaching over 28 million Canadians annually with its programs[3][1][2].

Mission and Activities

Historica Canada aims to foster exploration, learning, and reflection on Canadian history and identity. The organization emphasizes accuracy, context, and multiple perspectives by collaborating with subject matter experts and incorporating diverse voices affected by historical events. Its educational programs are provided free of charge and include digital resources, videos, podcasts, and in-person workshops designed to engage a broad Canadian audience, including students, educators, and the general public[2][4].

Key Programs

• Heritage Minutes: Short, 60-second vignettes that reenact significant and remarkable events in Canadian history. These have become a widely recognized tool for public history education, providing accessible stories that highlight important Canadian figures and moments[1][3].

• The Canadian Encyclopedia: An extensive bilingual online resource available in 35 languages, offering comprehensive information about Canadian history, culture, and society. This platform supports educators and the general public with reliable, well-researched content[2][3].

• Encounters with Canada: A youth program based in Ottawa that brings together young Canadians to explore national issues and Canadian identity through experiential learning and dialogue (program mentioned in organizational summaries)[3].

• Truth and Reconciliation Week: This initiative focuses on promoting awareness and understanding of Indigenous Peoples' histories, cultures, and languages, particularly addressing the impact of the residential school system. Programs during this week encourage learning, reflection, and action towards reconciliation and honor the resilience of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis communities[4].

Governance and Leadership

Historica Canada is governed by a board of directors and led by a President and CEO. Since September 2012, Anthony Wilson-Smith has held the position of President and CEO. The board chair as of January 2021 was Stephen Smith, co-founder of First National Financial. The organization is supported by government funding, corporate sponsors, and individual donors[3][2].

Impact

Historica Canada's educational resources and programs have been widely distributed and accessed. More than 65,000 teachers across Canada utilize its tools in classrooms, and its digital offerings reach millions of users annually, contributing significantly to public knowledge and engagement with Canadian history[2][5].

This summary reflects the organization's commitment to providing diverse, accurate, and accessible educational content, fostering a deeper understanding of Canada's historical landscape and its meaning for citizenship and identity.