On this the occasion of the waning days of 2015 …

The year that saw global celebrations of the 800th anniversary of the issuance of Magna Carta is coming to an end. For the past twelve months the world has marked this anniversary with museum exhibitions that have dotted the global landscape, ample real estate in journals and news sources debating its legacy and updated classroom lessons that brought its significance to life for a whole new generation.

Historians and commentators have both lauded and denounced its place in our collective imagination. This year, the ‘story’ of Magna Carta has been represented through theatre, art, poetry, music, essays, debates, films, books and documentaries. The various issuances of the document have crisscrossed the skies and have been feted across each and every continent.

Here at home, in Canada, we sought to shine a spotlight on the document, taking it and our exhibit across the country, to educate people about how it helped shape our foundations and to begin a conversation about how we should nurture this inheritance to ensure its vitality.

As the shadows grow long on the year that was 2015, the world is buckling under the weight of its burdens. While the document offered an impetus to reflect, let its essence provide the fuel to move forward empowered with the gifts of its message.

It has been a privilege to have been a part of this moment in time and we are grateful to all who helped make this tour a reality.

In appreciation,
Magna Carta Canada

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