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Origins

Chinook Multimedia began as a University of Alberta spin-off company in December 1997. The company founders were Bob Hesketh and Chris Hackett (who left the company in 2002). We developed innovative ways of presenting historical research using digital technologies.

Our very first project was Canada, Confederation to Present http://chinookmultimedia.com/social_poccd.php, the largest digital history of any nation ever published. The company founders, Bob Hesketh and Chris Hackett will always be grateful for the support offered by our families and the hard work of dozens of staff members; a dedicated editorial board chaired by Dr. Rod Macleod of the University of Alberta; the more than 140 authors who contributed their research, knowledge, and understanding of Canadian history to the publication; and the assistance of the Canadian Heritage/Patrimoine Canadien, Telefilm Canada, and the University of Alberta. Without their dedication and support, this massive undertaking would not have been possible, nor would it have met with such critical approval.

A second major project in these years was the creation of the innovative The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum Web site (completed 2000). We are grateful to the volunteers who run The Loyal Edmonton Regiment Museum for the opportunity to work on this project and for the expert knowledge they contributed to its successful completion.