The Recognition of English-speaking Communities in Quebec's Commeroration and Heritage Practices

Commemoration shapes historical memory, reinforces cultural identity, and can ensure that diverse communities see their histories reflected in public life. In 2022, the Quebec government introduced a new commemoration strategy, Je me souviens, named after the provincial motto. With a $6.2 million budget over three years, and overseen by the Ministère de la Culture et des Communications (MCC), the strategy aims to recognize the people, events, and places that have shaped Quebec’s history. It is part of broader effort to institutionalize a particular vision of Quebec identity, including the creation of a national history museum. How inclusive is this vision, and does it adequately reflect Quebec’s diverse communities, including English speakers? This brief examines the Quebec commemoration strategy and a related online database of the province’s cultural heritage, focusing on their representation of Quebec’s English-speaking minority.