New funding worth half-a-million dollars will support a cultural preservation project housed in the Clara Thomas Archives at York University.
The Portuguese Canadian History Project (PCHP) has secured $500,000 from members of the Portuguese Canadian community and the Consulate of Portugal in Toronto, which will sustain the project over the next five years.
The project is an incorporated non-profit organization that aims to preserve, digitize and provide access to important historical materials that are vital for understanding the contributions of the Portuguese community in Canada. Founded in 2008, the project works in partnership with the Camões Institute and York University.
Gilberto Fernandes, a researcher at York University who leads the PCHP, says the funding will support future events, tours and online experiences. These initiatives not only engage the public but also strengthen connections among researchers, students and community members, says Fernandes. Since its establishment, the project has been instrumental in documenting and celebrating the stories and contributions of Portuguese Canadians, enhancing the understanding and appreciation of their histories and heritage. Fernandes remains committed to advancing the project and expanding its impact.
On Oct. 16, the PCHP celebrated its 15th anniversary at Scott Library at the York University Keele Campus, marking the occasion with an announcement of the $500,000 donation. The event brought together key figures from the Portuguese community and supporters of the initiative, including the Ambassador of Portugal to Canada, the Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities, the Consul General of Portugal in Toronto, Dean of the Faculty of Liberal Arts & Professional Studies J.J. McMurtry and Dean of Libraries at York Joseph Hafner.
“This is a very important moment for our community and culture,” said José Cesário, Secretary of State for the Portuguese Communities, during the event. “We have to work to study our history all over the world, especially here in Canada.”
“We have the ambition to create a permanent endowed position that can steward the PCHP into the future,” said McMurtry. “We need the broad participation and support of community leaders to support and safeguard this archive, ensuring each generation of Portuguese Canadians can learn their history, even while we safeguard the important archival materials contained in this already impressive collection.”
An estimated 3,000 students are expected to benefit from this project – particularly for students at York and those engaged in programs offered by the Camões Institute across Ontario – positioning the PCHP as a crucial resource in enhancing knowledge of Portuguese and Canadian history.