The function of the Sub Groups was to investigate further the individual recommendations made in the 2002 Report with regards their feasibility, viability and usefulness to the process of remembering the conflict in and about Northern Ireland and in so doing both individually and collectively contribute to building a better future for all.
Although Sub Groups no longer operate as they did initially, their learning continues to inform the work of HTR. This page contains overviews and highlights from their work.
Storytelling
The Storytelling Sub Group carried out and published an audit of storytelling initiatives related to the conflict, hosted a one-day conference on the theme of “Storytelling as the Vehicle?” and published Ethical Principles for Storytelling and Narrative Work.
Living Memorial Museum
The Living Memorial Museum Sub Group commissioned an extensive audit of artefacts relating to the conflict which are held in existing archives and personal collections. The audit was carried out through a joint Fellowship post at the Institute of Irish Studies in Queen’s University Belfast. The group also conducted an Open Call for Ideas on what form a Living Memorial Museum to the conflict may take. A wide range of submissions were received which led to the creation of the Everyday Objects Transformed by the Conflict exhibition.
Day Of Reflection
The Day of Reflection Sub Group first commissioned research on International Experiences of Days of Remembrance and Reflection, which was launched at the end of March 2006. The group followed this with a local scoping study to gauge views on the original HTR recommendation. In response to the research findings the group prepared a discussion paper and proposal for an initial Day of Private Reflection to be held on 21 June 2007. Following careful consideration of all feedback received the Sub Group proceeded with an initial Day of Private Reflection on 21 June 2007. The Day has been marked annually ever since, and has a dedicated webpage here with more information.
Network of Commemoration
The Network of Commemoration Sub Group commissioned research on commemoration which examined: what is commemoration and what is its role in societies emerging from conflict? The research papers informed a round table discussion on commemoration as a way of healing through remembering, which was held in January 2007. A report of the round table event is being compiled. Following from two film screenings in 2006 the Sub Group developed a short film series for HTR members which ran from March to June 2007.
Truth Recovery and Acknowledgement
The Truth Recovery and Acknowledgement Sub Group undertook two large pieces of work. The first, a scoping study on the current positions of key organisations, institutions and parties relating to acknowledgement of their role in the conflict has informed a discussion paper and proposal on what form acknowledgement might take. This paper, Acknowledgement and its Role in Preventing Future Violence, was published in October 2006. The second piece of research developed by the group was a report on possible options for truth recovery. The report, Making Peace with the Past: Options for truth recovery regarding the conflict in and about Northern Ireland, was launched on 31 October 2006. A series of public meetings were held from January to April 2007 to facilitate discussion and debate on the issue of truth recovery and the options outlined in Making Peace with the Past.