General Synod archivist honoured

Nancy Hurn, General Synod archivist of the Anglican Church of Canada, is this year’s recipient of the Membership Recognition Award of the Association of Canadian Archivists (ACA).

During the nomination process, Hurn was described as displaying “exceptional dedication…exemplifying the attributes this ACA award represents: personal commitment to the development of the profession, faithful integrity in archival practice, pushing the bar in terms of archival contribution to society, fostering support and appreciation of the records with our sponsoring institutions and research public.”

Hurn received the award in Winnipeg on June 14 at the ACA’s annual conference. It was presented by Nichole Vonk, General Council archivist of the United Church of Canada.

“This means a great deal to me, as it covers recognition for the work I have done over my career as well as during the past nine years with the Anglican church,” Hurn said. “I am dedicating this award to the survivors of the residential schools and the diocesan archivists.”

Of her chosen profession, Hurn added: “We are a humble but important group and I appreciate your interest in acknowledging this work.”

Over the past several years, Archbishop Fred Hiltz, primate of the Anglican Church of Canada, has often publicly recognized that Hurn has worked tirelessly to make available the Anglican church’s photographic and written records of the residential school system. Before joining General Synod, she served as an archivist with both the Canadian National Exhibition and the City of Toronto.

Established in 1975, the Ottawa-based ACA was incorporated in 1978, after operating for a number of years as the Archives Section of the Canadian Historical Association. Today it represents more than 600 archivists across Canada.