Unlike in some previous years this December I didn’t participate in reverb or any similar end of year reflective writing practice. But I do want to look back at some of things that made 2015 a memorable year and my plans for 2016.
Looking Back:
- My article, “Community Archival Practice: Indigenous Grassroots Collaboration at the Shingwauk Residential Schools Centre.” appeared in the Spring/Summer issue of the American Archivist this year.
- I helped organize the New Directions in Active History: Institutions, Communications, and Technology in London, Ontario this October.
- I reevaluated some of my teaching approaches when introducing students to residential schools. And I’ve started to take a more hands-on, interactive approach to instruction. Especially when working with high school students.
- I’ve become much more familiar with the Algoma University institutional archives and the Anglican Diocese of Algoma archives.
- I’ve built new partnerships with colleagues, taken advantage of free professional development opportunities, and shepherded a number of new donations in 2015.
The Future:
- Continue to develop my academic writing practice. I did an okay job of sticking to a weekly writing regime in 2015 and want to keep building on that foundation.
- Create meaningful learning opportunities for students who are working in the archive. I’ve been consistently trying to do this but I want to continue to focus on nurturing scholarship in ways that build skill sets.
- Be active. This falls under my growing understanding of self-care.
- I’m looking forward to being at NCPH 2016 this year. I’m presenting and helping with some of the membership committee events. This is by far my favourite conference and I’m sure Baltimore will be a fantastic experience.
Onward to 2016.