The Archives of the Augustines of Canada inscribed in UNESCO’s Memory of the World International Register
Québec City, May 24, 2023—At the 216th session of its Executive Board, UNESCO approved the inscription of the Archives of the Augustines of Canada in its Memory of the World International Register. In doing so, UNESCO recognized the international benefit and exceptional value of this documentary heritage for humanity.
The Archives of the Augustines of Canada are among the 64 documentary heritage items from the seven continents added today to the Register. They join prestigious documents already listed in the Register such as papyri, peace treaties, the Rosetta Stone and the Bayeux tapestry.
It is with great pride that we welcome this important development. After being listed in the Canada Memory of the World Register, in 2020, the Augustines’ archives are now receiving international recognition, granted by a jury from various countries, under the aegis of UNESCO, an institution that is the guardian of humanity’s heritage. This honour highlights the great responsibility to preserve and showcase documentary heritage that we have today
- Gertrude Bourdon, chair of the Board of Trustees of the Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines
For over three centuries, the Augustines established and preserved an exceptional documentary heritage in order to understand the way health care was adapted to North America and a world-class hospital network was expanded. The archives tell the story of the contribution of hundreds of women dedicated to caring for the sick and building healthcare establishments that are still active today, from the first one founded in Québec City in 1639. The listing in the Register signals that without the archives, an entire facet of Canada’s history would be forgotten.
Since they founded their first hospital in New France, the nursing sisters have always kept impeccable archives that would one day speak to their work. Taking care of the sick, night and day, was always essential for these carers and hospital builders. Recognition from UNESCO means that these documents, which attest to their devotion to men, women and children of all backgrounds, have universal value.
- Sister Lise Tanguay, Superior General of the Fédération des Augustines du Canada
For more than 375 years, the Augustinian Sisters documented a significant part of our collective history. Their work and accomplishments were remarkable, including documenting the development and organization of our healthcase system through their exhaustive archives. I am delighted that these archives, conserved at the Monastère des Augustines, in Québec City, are now part of the UNESCO Memory of the World International Register - thereby situated alongside the most significant documentation of the heritage and history of humanity.
- Michel Bonsaint, a Quebec government representative who is also part of the Permanent Delegation of Canada to UNESCO
This archival collection demonstrates the central position that women have had in the development of our society, most notably through the establishment of our healthcare systems. Since 1639, the Augustinians have played a significant role in some of the major events that shaped who we are as a people. The safeguarding of these records allows us to better understand ourselves, and how we have perceived ourselves as a people.
- Cody Groat, Chair of the Canadian Advisory Committee for the Memory of the World
In 2018, the Augustines donated their archives to a social trust they had established. The documentary heritage was then preserved and made accessible to the Monastère des Augustines’ archive centre, in Québec City. The collection represents one linear kilometre of archives and historical books from the 12 monastery-hospitals established across Quebec. The public is welcome to visit the archive centre or and can access a portion of the archives online at: archives.monastere.ca
About UNESCO's Memory of the World Programme
UNESCO’s Memory of the World Programme was initiated in 1992 to safeguard the world’s documentary heritage. The programme promotes universal access to materials with scientific, educational, aesthetic and cultural value, protecting them from the destructive forces of war, social upheaval, and other natural and human-caused disasters. The Canadian Commission for UNESCO maintains the Canada Memory of the World Register, while UNESCO (based in Paris) is responsible for the International Memory of the World Register. A listing of archives added to the UNESCO International Memory of the World Register between 1992-2017 can be accessed here. May 2023 marks the first additions to the international register since 2017.
About the Canadian Commission for UNESCO
The Canadian Commission for UNESCO (CCUNESCO) serves as a bridge between Canadians and the vital work of UNESCO—the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization. Through its networks and partners, the Commission promotes UNESCO’s values, priorities and programs in Canada and brings the voices of Canadian experts to the international stage. Its activities are guided by the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development and other UNESCO priorities. CCUNESCO operates under the authority of the Canada Council for the Arts.
About the Monastère des Augustines
Le Monastère des Augustines occupies the former wings of the Hôtel-Dieu de Québec’s monastery (1639), which was the origin of the first hospital in America, north of Mexico. Completely restored and refurbished, and open since August 2015, Le Monastère offers visitors a unique resourcing experience, as well as several original ways to get in touch with the Augustinian Sisters’ heritage: unique accommodation, museum, archive center, global health and cultural activities, mindful eating, boutique, specialized global health care treatments and room rentals.
About the Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines:
Created by the Fédération des Augustines, the Fiducie du patrimoine culturel des Augustines is a trust recognized as a charitable organization. Its mission is to safeguard and promote the heritage and memory of the Augustinian Sisters of Québec, for the entire population and for future generations.
Press contacts:
Vanessa Poulin-Gladu
Manager, Public Affairs
Canadian Commission for UNESCO
vanessa.poulin-gladu@ccunesco.ca
Caroline Maheu
Director, Marketing
Monastère des Augustines
cmaheu@monastere.ca