The Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada is an incorporated non-profit multi-faceted organization, which brings together the Jewish Historical
Society of Western Canada, the Marion & Ed Vickar Jewish Museum of Western Canada, the Genealogical Institute, the Jewish Historical Society
Archives, and the Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre.
statement of purpose
To develop, interpret and disseminate information on the history and culture of western Canadian Jewry and to develop awareness of the history, moral and ethical implications of the Holocaust and other human rights violations.
our mission
To document, preserve and share information on the culture and historical formation of Jewish communities in Western Canada. The Centre also serves as an advocate for anti-racism and education on the Holocaust and Antisemitism.
our vision
To forge a pathway for the future by preserving and sharing compelling stories and educating the present and future generations.
Our Mandate
To collect and preserve the records, artefacts and traditions of our community. These treasures include more than 70,000 photographs and Jewish community newspapers from 1910 to the present, oral histories and other materials;
To present programs and exhibits about the history, experiences, achievements and culture of the Jewish community;
To maintain and expand a searchable and detailed database of Jewish gravestones in Manitoba and further afield;
To promote the awareness and understanding of the history of the Holocaust through education—reaching thousands of students and educators each year. We address the fact that society continues to witness genocide due to continuing racism and hatred and that we must all be vigilant in opposing racism, antisemitism and other forms of bigotry.
70,000+
Photographs from 1870s to today including daguerrotypes, carte-de-visite, panoramas, negatives, polaroids, prints and digital photos.
4,000+
Artefacts including religious paraphernalia, medical and pharmaceutical items, military jackets, pins and awards, clothing, dolls, trophies and sports memorabilia.
1,300+
Sound and moving image recordings – 8mm, 16mm, reel-to-reel tapes, audio cassettes, LPs, CDs, VHS tapes, DVDs.
The Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada endorses the following definitions of the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance:
The Working Definition of Antisemitism
The Working Definition of Holocaust Denial and Distortion
The Working Definition of Anti-Roma Discrimination
Working Definition of Holocaust-related Materials
The drafting process behind the IHRA’s working definitions and charters allows for the expertise of 34 Member Countries to be made accessible to policymakers. The process begins with IHRA experts drafting the working definition or charter in consultation with members of civil society. This process takes years and is usually spearheaded by one of the IHRA’s Working Groups or Committees. All IHRA decisions are non-legally binding and taken by consensus.
Land Acknowledgement
The Jewish Heritage Centre of Western Canada is located on ancestral lands, on Treaty 1 Territory. The Red River Valley is also the birthplace of the Métis. We recognize the historical fact emphasized by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, and as acknowledged by the Government of Canada: that the Canadian government and various religious and secular organizations that pre-date the country perpetuated a genocide against the Indigenous peoples– and– that elements of that genocide continue to the present day.
We affirm that our commitment to “Never Forget” must also include confronting attempt to destroy Indigenous culture and nationhood, and condemning attempts to deny that historical reality.
JHCWC at 50 Years
Bringing together the Jewish Historical Society of Western Canada, the Marion & Ed Vickar Jewish Museum of Western Canada, the Genealogical Institute, the Irma and Marvin Penn Archives, and the Freeman Family Foundation Holocaust Education Centre, the Jewish Heritage Centre is The JHC has been indispensable in creating a historical consciousness, not only for our local Jewish community, but also for the broader Canadian community. We have done so by interpreting the majestic sweep of our history, with all of its elements and contradictions. We make it available to the public through various means: lectures, publications, exhibits, workshops, genealogy projects, and more. By trying to create a greater and keener awareness of the past, the JHC has contributed to creating a greater Jewish Canadian identity. This video presents an overview of what the Jewish Heritage Centre is all about.