Résumés
Abstract
The problem with many archives is that they are searchable only by supplementary metadata (anecdotal data not provided by the original source), rather than secondary metadata (descriptive information that covers dates, origin, history, and cross-referencing); information about a visual object is not always reliable, especially when it comes to Black Canadians. Supplementary metadata in Canadian archives are not classified by race or ethnicity, thus, the very structure of the archive erases from public memory the lived experiences of Black Canadians. Given the move toward digitization over the last fifteen years, the importance of the archive has become a topic of discussion. Since the public can now search through on-line collections, the need to protect and promote material archives has never been more important. This paper will explore the question of the archive-as-subject, rather than archive-as-source, through storytelling. Storytelling is one of the many cultural expressions that have connected Black populations. Using first-person narrative, I give examples from my ten-year-long experience working in Black Canadian archives to probe how the archive can move from its depository role to become a site where memories about Black Canadian experiences across time, space, and place are curated and narrated. What are the ethical challenges around this kind of reform?
Résumé
La recherche dans plusieurs archives est problématique du fait qu’elle est tributaire de métadonnées complémentaires (dont des anecdotes ne provenant pas de sources originelles), plutôt que de métadonnées secondaires (dont l’information descriptive comprenant les dates, l’origine, l’histoire et le croisement de références). L’information accompagnant les objets visuels n’est pas nécessairement fiable, d’autant plus que la race et l’ethnicité sont souvent omises dans leur description. Or, celles-ci sont des marqueurs socio-historiques essentiels de la présence des Noirs au Canada. Ainsi, la structure même des archives efface les expériences vécues des Noirs de la mémoire publique canadienne. Considérant la numérisation croissante des quinze dernières années, la facilité du public à identifier ce qu’il cherche dans les collections en ligne rend d’autant plus urgente la question de la recherche dans les archives. Cet essai explore la question des « archives-en-tant-que-sujet », plutôt que des « archives-en-tant-que-source », par la narration; une forme d’expression culturelle commune aux communautés noires. J’y raconte mes dix ans d’expériences dans les archives dédiées aux Noirs au Canada, en évaluant comment les archives peuvent dépasser leur mission d’entreposage et devenir un site où la mémoire des Noirs à travers le temps, l’espace et le lieu est conservée et surtout racontée. Quels sont les défis éthiques d’une telle réforme?
Parties annexes
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