The forthcoming period 2011 – 2022 marks a number of significant political events which have shaped the sense of British and Irish identity in Northern Ireland in the 20th century. It is a decade of ideas.
The Community Relations Council and Heritage Lottery Fund from late 2010 began to work in partnership in order to stimulate a conversation which seeks to raise the issue of remembering in public space and perhaps to promote a process that leads to the development of practice models and principles. As society engages with the legacies of this revolutionary period, there is potential to reinforce the development of political and civic culture – engaging with culture and identity, rights, what we mean by democracy and the nature of political change. We may also be able to acknowledge the legacy of the decade and support engagement with the complexity of our history.
Marking anniversaries: the principles
In straight forward language the principles that can be applied are:
- start from the historical facts;
- recognise the implications and consequences of what happened;
- understand that different perceptions and interpretations exist; and
- show how events and activities can deepen understanding of the period.
All to be seen in the context of an 'inclusive and accepting society'.
Further resources
Additional information on the principles and marking anniversaries is available via the Community Relations Council website.