The Ladysmith and District Historial Society (LDHS) adopted a heritage and reconciliation pledge, which aims to redress the fact that the heritage field in B.C. has its roots in western colonial systems of knowledge and practice.
The heritage and reconciliation pledge was initiated by Heritage BC and created in 2021 in association with a group of culturally diverse advisors representing Indigenous and other cultural groups within the province. It was signed at the LDHS’s Dec. 2021 board meeting.
“By signing the pledge, the Ladysmith & District Historical Society acknowledges Indigenous and culturally diverse peoples within our community and states its intent to establish and maintain respectful and welcoming relationships with these peoples,” said Quentin Goodbody, LDHS president.
The pledge acts as a guide to achieving new standards within the heritage sector for understanding cultural diversity, past harms and the need for reconciliation, according to the LDHS.
“The society commits to support and engage in public education and advocacy relating to cultural diversity and to making reconciliation and cultural equity part of its strategic direction. Recognizing that it has much to learn about the cultural diversity within our community, the society will ensure that Indigenous peoples and cultural groups are involved in development of this understanding and in the formation of strategies and programs that the society develops relating to these groups,” Goodbody said.
Signed copies of the Heritage and Reconciliation Pledge are displayed in the Archives and Museum and will be posted on the society’s website.
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