Statement from Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker on International Archives Week

Minister of Tourism and Culture John Streicker has issued the following statement:

"Today, at the start of International Archives Week 2025, we celebrate the essential role archives play in preserving and sharing our collective story.

“This year’s theme, Archives Are Accessible: Archives for Everyone, highlights the ongoing work to ensure that archival records are open, inclusive and available to all. Whether through digitization efforts, public outreach, or collaborative projects, archives breakdown barriers to make the stories they hold easier to find and share.

“Archives serve as guardians of our collective memory. Through the preservation of photographs, sound recordings, diaries, correspondence and government records, they provide us with the tools to explore our past, understand our present and shape our future. Their goal is to tell as complete and diverse a story as possible – one that reflects our many voices and perspectives.

“On behalf of the Government of Yukon, I recognize and thank the remarkable professionals and volunteers who keep the archival world thriving. Their dedication to transparency, accountability and public service helps ensure that history is preserved – not as a fixed narrative, but as a living, evolving resource for everyone.

“To the staff, donors and users of archives everywhere: thank you for your contributions and commitment. Your work strengthens our understanding of who we are, where we’ve come from and where we’re going.”