Kara Ann Quann, 1971–2016

Born 8 August 1971 in Pictou, Nova Scotia, and forever a proud Bluenoser, Kara Ann Quann graduated in 1993 from the University of King’s College, Halifax, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in History. She then attended the University of Manitoba, in Winnipeg, where she completed the Joint Master’s Program in History and Archival Studies in 2001. There she worked under the supervision of Tom Nesmith to complete her thesis, which advocated the development of a post-modern, contextual framework for the management of cartographic archives. That year, her thesis won the Thesis of Distinction Award from the Association of Manitoba Archives.

Kara worked at the Archives of Manitoba from 1995 to 2001, where she filled the roles of Private Records Manuscript Archivist, Access Archivist in Government Records, and Textual and Cartographic Records Archivist, again in Private Records. In 2001, she moved to Ottawa to join the staff of Library and Archives Canada (LAC), where she would serve in various positions: as archivist for different government departments and as manager of diverse areas, including Legacy Management, Engagement and Communications, Recordkeeping Methodology, and Accessibility and Intellectual Management Services. She also developed a training program for new archivists entering LAC. Throughout her career, Kara was noted for her writing skills, ability to maintain project momentum, and keen sense of humour.

Kara served as the production assistant for Archivaria from 2003 to 2006, as its book review editor from 2006 to 2009, and as a peer reviewer from 2003 onward. The first paper she delivered before an Association of Canadian Archivists audience was “Remapping Archives: Archival Theory and Practice for Cartographic Records,” presented during the 2003 annual conference. At subsequent conferences, she delivered the papers “Furtive Custody? Custodial History of the Métis Scrip Records in the Department of the Interior Fonds” (2004), “Falling Off the Map: Bringing Cartographic Archives to the Forefront of the Heritage Community” (2006), and “An Overview of the Clearing the Path Project at Library and Archives Canada” (2010). She also contributed book reviews to Cartographica.

Kara passed away on October 23, 2016, after a long – and stubborn – battle with cancer. Among her many achievements, Kara took greatest pride in her role as a mother. She is survived by her son, Kai, and his father, Kyi Lwin. Kara was the cherished daughter of Patricia (Patsy) and Thomas (Tommy) of Pictou, Nova Scotia; beloved sister of David (Kim) of Pictou and Kathy Burton (Garfield) of Sussex, New Brunswick; aunt of Dylan, Jenna, Lindy, and Lauren; great-aunt of Rilynn; and beloved niece of Gordon and Peggy English. Her generosity and spirit are greatly missed by many friends and colleagues in the archives community, and from other communities across Canada.