Ian Duncan

The Historytellers Project empowered Grade 10 students to uncover and share Canada’s often-overlooked 2SLGBTQ+ history. Students worked with The ArQuives: Canada’s LGBTQ2+ Archive, using the collection to research and co-construct short nonfiction narratives with subject-matter experts. Mentored by guest editors — including activists, artists, and community leaders — the students learned to approach the past with empathy, accuracy, and creativity while strengthening their historical thinking skills. Students engaged deeply with marginalized histories, reflecting on both the historical and ongoing struggles and resilience of Canada’s 2SLGBTQ+ communities.

The project culminated in physical and digital exhibits, proudly shared within the school and community, and online through The ArQuives. The Historytellers Project demonstrates what powerful history education can achieve: bringing people together, breaking down barriers through understanding, and reminding us that every story strengthens our shared history.