Devon Jacobs

Nominee for an ACO NextGen Award

Many working in the heritage field are aware that the historical plaques we pass in many Ontario towns tell only the settlers’ part of the story. Devon Jacobs, a student at Trent University, is actively working to change that. Devon took on the challenge of auditing local public monuments to see who was missing from our collective memory. His work focuses on a critical gap in our heritage sector: the complete omission of Indigenous history on regional municipal markers.

What makes Devon’s approach stand out is his dedication to collaboration. Instead of just reviewing documents in isolation, he consulted directly with community members to rewrite the text for these public signs. His work reframes these physical spaces, replacing outdated colonial narratives with accurate accounts of Indigenous land use, treaty history, and ongoing presence.

By taking his research out of the classroom and applying it to real-world monuments, Devon has created a practical blueprint for how communities across the province can update their public histories. His efforts have already caught the attention of provincial heritage advocates as an example of how to make public spaces more inclusive.

Devon represents the exact future the heritage sector needs—young leaders doing the practical work to ensure our shared landscapes tell the whole truth. Nominating him for the ACO NextGen Award recognizes a fresh, dedicated voice who is fundamentally improving how we interact with history in our everyday lives.