Connection and Celebration at the Governor Generals’ History Awards

All over Canada, teachers, scholars, community organizations, museums and writers are highlighting our history and helping us understand ourselves and our country a little better. Generous supporters of Canada’s History Society, along with Her Excellency, Governor General Mary Simon, recognized the dedication of these history makers at the Governor General’s History Awards for 2025, held in Ottawa at the end of January 2026. 

When you have this many impressive people together, fascinating conversations and powerful connections ensue. The events started with the Canada’s History Forum on January 26, at which laureates presented their award-winning work and discussed questions of how we inspire Canadians to engage with history and use it to navigate change and uncertainty. Award recipients, along with four student winners of the National Heritage Fairs Showcase, were honoured during Question Period on Parliament Hill, and had the opportunity to tour the Library of Parliament.

Her Excellency presented the awards at Rideau Hall on January 27, after which laureates and guests enjoyed a reception. The delightful whirlwind of events was capped off with the History Makers Gala at the Canadian Museum of History that evening.

These wonderful experiences were made possible by generous supporters including Power Corporation, which sponsored the gala and the Rideau Hall Foundation. We are also deeply grateful to the Government of Canada for its continuing support of events related to the Governor General’s History Awards. Recognition for our youngest laureates, the National Heritage Fairs Showcase winners, was provided in part by the Wilson Foundation and Parks Canada.