HSO's Declaration on Diversity of Perspective 2021 (updated)

HSO's Acknowledgement

The Historical Society of Ottawa's mission, since its founding in 1898, has been to preserve and increase public knowledge of our local history. 

We acknowledge that, in pursuing this mission, we have often done so within a narrow cultural perspective that has not always been inclusive of the equally important perspectives of those among us of different race, national or ethnic origin, mother tongue, colour, religion, gender, or sexual orientation.

We are dedicated to highlighting the diverse experiences of Indigenous peoples, racialized groups, under-represented communities (including but not limited to children/youth, low income/in poverty, women, elderly, etc.), 2SLGBTQI+ groups, and others, who continue to enrich our communities.

HSO's Commitment

1. HSO shall do its utmost to ensure that our presentations, publications, and activities consider diverse cultural perspectives and address past and present injustices.
2. In further support of this commitment The Historical Society of Ottawa officially recognizes and embraces the United Nations International Decade for People of African Descent (2015-2024)

In doing so, The Historical Society of Ottawa acknowledges the roles that the slave trade, colonialism, systemic racism, and civil and human rights violations have played in our history and which continue to resonate in present times.