Canada’s History Society Impact Report for 2025-2026

You can download or print a pdflink opens in new window of the full Donor Impact Report for 2025–26.

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT AND THE CHAIR

In the face of unprecedented external threats and upheaval, Canadians are realizing how important it is to know more about their own country’s past. Some are exploring our stories for the first time; others are redoubling long-standing interest. We offer them what they’re looking for: a place for important conversations rather than simplistic answers. 

Canada’s History Society connects people to each other and to their shared present and future. Students display their knowledge at the Heritage Fairs we support, and their teachers gain the skills, knowledge and practical help they need to tackle complex subjects in the classroom. Dedicated history enthusiasts receive recognition and encouragement through our awards programs. And readers of all ages learn from and delight in fascinating stories they encounter in Canada’s History and Kayak magazines. 

We know this work matters. We are grateful to the supporters who value the understanding and connection made possible through history. Their contributions enable our programs and publications to reach a combined audience of more than three million people last year. 

To everyone who helps this invaluable work continue and grow, thank you. 

Canada's History Society

Our vision is a Canada where people are connected through history. 

Our mission is to strengthen understanding of the complex and diverse histories of our country and their part in shaping contemporary Canada. 

We value excellence, inclusivity, curiosity, openness and collaboration. 

CANADA'S HISTORY MAGAZINE

Readers are eager to learn more about Canada’s past

Canada’s History highlights fascinating stories in the historical context we need today

The Canada’s History team has created a fresh new look to take our flagship magazine into its second century. Layouts are more spacious and inviting, with the same great subject matter and thoughtful writing as always. Readers are enjoying new sections focusing on historic recipes and restorations of heritage buildings. By featuring a wide variety of stories and voices, Canada’s History is helping readers develop the fuller, more nuanced understanding they crave. No wonder it’s the most widely read history magazine in Canada. 

At a time when people are seeking trustworthy information about Canada and its past, Canada's History magazine helps create connections and deepen understanding.

“Congratulations on the newly reimagined Canada’s History! Your entire team can be very proud of the work involved in developing the new magazine.”
- Reader in Alberta 

“I wondered if my interest would continue after a recent move which has taken me so far away from the Canadian border. Your recent redesign, along with the wonderful articles, convinced me that I don’t want to miss out on this magazine; my renewal is guaranteed.”
- Reader in Hawai’i 

“I’ve been a long- time member of Canada’s History magazine and have never read a better issue than this latest one with The Birth of Modern Canada on the cover. Well done all!”
- Reader in Ontario 

GOVERNOR GENERAL’S HISTORY AWARDS

History leaders merit recognition

We celebrate their work through the Governor General’s History Awards

All over the country, community groups, academic and popular historians, educators and museum staff put enormous time and energy into bringing Canada’s past to more people. For the most part, they do it on their own, with very little recognition. Canada’s History Society administers the most prestigious recognition in the field, the Governor General’s History Awards, in collaboration on specific prizes with the Canadian Museums Association and the Canadian Historical Association. We lift up the outstanding work being done to help Canadians connect with the past, building a community of people who love history: studying it, teaching it, sharing it, living it. 

“This recognition affirms the importance of Indigenous voices in shaping the historical record and underscores our collective responsibility to listen, learn and act.”
- Crystal Gail Fraser, 2025 recipient, Governor General’s History Award for Scholarly Research 

“This award affirms what I believe deeply: History isn't just in textbooks, it's all around us — woven into our communities, our families and our daily lives.”
- Erin Quinn, 2025 recipient, Governor General's History Award for Excellence in Teaching 

« Je souhaite exprimer ma profonde reconnaissance envers l’équipe responsable du Prix d’Histoire du Gouverneur général 2025 pour l’excellence remarquable dont elle a fait preuve tout au long des activités officielles. »
- François Desmarais, 2025 recipient, Governor General’s History Award for Excellence in Teaching

HERITAGE FAIRS NATIONAL SHOWCASE

Young historians flourish when encouraged

Canada’s History Society supports the national student Heritage Fairs program

Today’s students are tomorrow’s leaders. Understanding Canada's past and how it has shaped our country are key to their decisions in building our future. Heritage Fairs are an unparalleled way to do that. They inspire young people to choose an aspect of Canada’s story to analyze and discuss, creating displays for local and regional events. 

In 2025, Canada’s History Society hosted the Heritage Fair National Showcase to celebrate especially impressive projects. We provided professional development for teachers, and ribbons, magazines and more for local and regional fairs. Four national winners were celebrated at the Governor General’s History Awards in Ottawa. 

Students participating in Heritage Fairs

“It was great watching students come up for awards, getting high fives, and celebrating their wins like they were getting an award at a sports banquet — but for history!”
 - Heritage Fair coordinator in Nova Scotia 

“You all further inspire me to be a heritage facilitator to celebrate and commemorate all peoples of our vast and magnificent country. Merci!”
 - Teacher in New Brunswick

YOUTH PUBLICATIONS

STUDENTS NEED A PLACE TO TURN FOR HONEST EXPLORATIONS OF THE PAST

Our magazines for youth open doors to understanding each other and their country

We are committed to offering students broadminded, inclusive perspectives on the stories of what has come before. Our publications for young readers encourage reflection on a wide range of ideas and points of view, fostering critical-thinking skills and a resistance to oversimplification. At least as important, they’re a lot of fun to read! Kayak: Canada’s History Magazine for Kids / Kayak: Navigue dans l’histoire du Canada is the only print resource of its kind, and it’s making a difference. We appreciate the support of donors who help make widespread distribution to classrooms possible. We were honoured to continue our work with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation to produce a publication for youth distributed ahead of Truth and Reconciliation Week 2025. 

Our shift to providing publications for free to educators is a powerful extension of our mission and mandate. In 2025, teachers snapped up 550,000 print copies of Kayak and 100,000 print copies of the publication our staff collaborated on for Truth and Reconciliation Week, all of which continue to be available online. Thanks to the generosity of The Northpine Foundation, we have met tremendous classroom need, providing classrooms with a total of 660,000 print copies of the Black history edition of Kayak over the past five years. 

“In a time when finding reliable stories from a variety of voices can be challenging, educators can feel confident that Kayak provides accurate and trustworthy information. The availability of free copies both in print and digitally, removes barriers and ensures more students can meaningfully connect with Canada’s stories, and you can see that ‘Wow, history is actually cool’ moment happen.”
  - Elementary social studies consultant in Alberta 

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT FOR EDUCATORS

TEACHERS WANT TRAINING & CLASSROOM MATERIALS THEY CAN TRUST

Canada’s History provides educators with the tools to lead important conversations

History and social studies teachers face high expectations: communicating information, encouraging curiosity, inspiring a love of the past and teaching how to navigate complex and competing narratives — and they have to do it with fewer resources and more demands on their time. That’s why Canada’s History Society and our partners provide training and professional development in collaboration with the Virtual Historical Thinking Institute / Institut de la pensée historique en mode virtuel. We also supply highquality lesson plans and activities for teachers, created by award-winning educators to accompany all of our publications for students. 

More than 25,000 teachers have signed up to receive our education newsletters. Every month they can rely on engaging content and links to classroom material in English or French for students of all ages. In 2025, 81 educators took part in the Virtual Historical Thinking Institute. The credibility of our resources and training are so valued that teacher associations and school governance organizations promote participation. 

"Kayak issues fill a void that our curricular pieces and textbooks are missing. Kayak has the ability to speak about and create content that is emerging and current from historical perspectives.”
 - Teacher in Alberta 

“I haven't been able to attend the live sessions due to my work schedule, so the recordings have been amazing. Really enjoying the learning so far!” 
 - Teacher in Ontario