Press release from Histoire et Archives Laurentides (HAL):

Henri Prévost (HAL), Kelley O’Rourke (CIMPN), and Fergus Keyes (CIMPN) with the Prix d’Histoire et Archives Laurentides Award. Photo credit: Louis Parent.

SAINT-COLOMBAN, September 26, 2026 – During a celebration of Irish heritage in Saint-Colomban, Henri Prévost, president of Histoire et Archives Laurentides (HAL), officially presented a History and Heritage Award to Kelley O’Rourke, president of the Canadian Irish Migration Preservation Network (CIMPN). This HAL award recognizes the organization’s exceptional commitment to the restoration of the historic Saint-Colomban cemetery and its major role in integrating the town into the Global Irish Famine Way. “Thanks to the efforts of the CIMPN and its many local partners, the memory and cultural legacy of the Irish community remain firmly preserved in the region, and we are deeply grateful to them,” Mr. Prévost emphasized as he presented the award.

It should be noted that HAL presented its other 2026 History and Heritage Awards on April 26 during its annual meeting. These annual awards aim to honour individuals and organizations that, through their talent, passion, or commitment, ensure the continuity of our collective memory and the preservation of our heritage. See the 2026 winners.