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Last Modified: July 12, 2024
Graphic with the message: Beyond the Stacks with Jessie Bach. Library Programming and Outreach to Indigenous Communities
Library Programming and Outreach to Indigenous Communities

by Jessie Bach

Reconciliation is an ongoing process. Alberta’s libraries are places for generating and sharing information, stories, and public access to educational and recreational materials. However, they have traditionally operated in a way that excluded and erased representations of Indigenous histories, realities, beliefs, and perspectives. According to Rose Reid, Indigenous Outreach Specialist at Marigold Library Systems, a constant challenge is “the belief by Indigenous people that they are not truly welcome in libraries. This is something that every library staff member can help change. It’s an issue that can only be solved one interaction at a time.”

When the Truth and Reconciliation Commission released its Report and Calls to Action in 2015, the Canadian Federation of Library Associations responded by forming a Truth and Reconciliation Committee to “promote initiatives in all types of libraries to advance reconciliation by supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and to promote collaboration in these issues across the Canadian library communities.” This Committee released a report that included several recommendations for how libraries can improve outreach and service initiatives to Indigenous communities, including the following:

  • Foster sustained connections and partnerships with Indigenous communities to ensure inclusive, accessible, and relevant services.
  • Develop an understanding of Indigenous service and outreach needs and ensure that an Indigenous perspective is integrated into service, outreach, and programming plans.
  • Provide programming that meets the expressed needs of Indigenous communities.
  • Ensure print and digital collections highlight, acknowledge, and honour the unique cultures and experiences of Indigenous communities.

Alberta libraries were keen to expand service to Indigenous communities, but this was often challenging because reserves are federally funded, while public libraries fall under provincial and municipal jurisdiction. In 2016, the Alberta government responded by providing $700,000 to library systems in Alberta to provide service to people living on reserves and settlements.

Providing library services for Indigenous people means much more than just building libraries on First Nations reserves. In fact, there are very few brick and mortar public libraries on reserves, and many Indigenous people access library services in nearby municipalities. For example, those who live in Siksika Nation may use the library in Gleichen or Strathmore, while those who live on the Stoney Nakoda Nation visit libraries in Exshaw, Calgary, or Cochrane.

While most reserves and settlements remain without a public library, Alberta libraries and library systems are working hard to bring library services to Indigenous people in other ways. One such way is through the promotion of online eResources that are available to anyone with a library card and an internet connection. People can sign up for a library card on their library’s website and then access a plethora of downloadable ebooks, stream movies, TV shows, and music, research databases and more, all without having to travel to a library in person. For many, this is a great solution. However, for many Indigenous library users, the digital divide remains. Reserves may lack access to high-speed internet, or individuals do not own devices like smartphones and laptops, and therefore cannot access online resources easily.

Libraries are tackling these challenges by sending staff and library materials onto reserves to meet users in their communities. One such initiative is the Marigold Library System’s Book Deposit that was opened last year in Mînî Thnî. Goodstoney Lodge, a community hub, houses a small collection of books that community members are welcome to use and borrow on an honour system. Like other Book Deposits, the collection consists mostly of the latest bestsellers and popular children’s books. It also boasts a collection of Indigenous titles, curated specifically for the community thanks to a gift from Marigold and the Canmore Rotary Club.

Many libraries and library systems have created staff positions dedicated to delivering services on reserves. These staff members are often Indigenous themselves and either live in or travel to Indigenous communities to deliver library programs and materials. My colleague Rose Reid travels regularly to the Stoney Nakoda First Nation. She tells me that she approaches on-reserve programming with guidance from knowledge keepers and that “the people who best know what is needed are already on the ground working.” She always asks, “How can the library support your programs?”

Elder Ron Janvier reading to children.
Elder Ron Janvier reading to children during story time at Wood Buffalo Library. (Photo credit: Nicole Andrews, Wood Buffalo Regional Library)

Bringing services onto reserves is not the only way to enhance Indigenous-focused activities; libraries are also focusing on developing their Indigenous collections locally. This includes materials by and about Indigenous people, as well as materials written in Indigenous languages. The Bighorn Library in Exshaw have acquired a collection of Indigenous Board Books and Graphic Novels that are highlighted on their website to make them easy to find. There is also the Prairie Indigenous eBook Collection, sponsored by the Province of Alberta and the Book Publishers Association of Alberta, and accessible with any Alberta public library card. This collection of ebooks brings together hundreds of titles from Indigenous prairie authors in one place.

Libraries are also undertaking initiatives to help inform all Albertans about Indigenous history and culture, and the meaning of reconciliation. This includes holding programs featuring Indigenous topics and activities and celebrating Indigenous History Month. Here are a few examples of these initiatives around the province:

1. Elders’ Guidance Circle —This Calgary Public Library program allows individuals or groups to request a virtual meeting with an Elder or Knowledge Keeper from Treaty 7 and the Calgary region. The library will then match the requester with an Elder who can speak to them about the topic they want to discuss.

Elder Lorraine Albert reading to children.
Elder Lorraine Albert reading to children during story time at Wood Buffalo Library. (Photo credit: Nicole Andrews, Wood Buffalo Regional Library)

2. Indigenous Family Storytime — To celebrate Indigenous History Month, the Cochrane Public Library is hosting Elder Terry Daniels, who will share traditional stories and lead attendees through a simple beaded craft. The event will be “a unique opportunity to connect with the rich heritage of Indigenous people through the art of storytelling and creativity.”

The Indigenous Cultural Corner at the Wood Buffalo Library. A close up photograph of a curved bookcase with Indigenous books on display.
Indigenous Cultural Corner (Photo credit: Nicole Andrews, Wood Buffalo Regional Library)

3. Indigenous Cultural Corner — Located at the Wood Buffalo Regional Library, the Indigenous Cultural Corner is a dedicated space intended to help people of all
ages gain a deeper understanding of Indigenous history and culture. It houses a collection of library materials on Indigenous topics and by Indigenous authors, along with artwork and other items of significance, such as a traditional
Métis sash. The space is also used to host celebrations, programs, and other cultural events.

4. Medicine Wheel Workshop — This past spring, the Lethbridge Public Library hosted a month-long Medicine Wheel Workshop for Mental Health Awareness Month. Each week, a guest speaker shared information and activities highlighting one of the four sacred elements of the Medicine Wheel: Physical, Spiritual, Mental, and Emotional. Topics included Blackfoot-informed yoga, crisis intervention, missing and murdered Indigenous peoples, and traditional plant medicine.

Of course, this is just a small sampling of the programs and initiatives taking place province-wide! Check in with your local library’s website or social media to see what may be available in your community.

Moving forward, public libraries have identified the need for more Indigenous library professionals who are committed to acquiring Indigenous collections and pushed for programs and services designed for and by Indigenous community members. As Reid puts it, “Libraries are in a position to bridge the gap that exists between our communities. The truly great news is that those bridges go both ways. My own life has been enriched beyond measure by my experiences in Indigenous outreach, and that can be true for all of us.”

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About the Author:

Beyond the Stacks is a column about libraries in Alberta and the useful and necessary services they provide.

Photo of Jessie Bach, author of this article

Jessie Bach grew up on a family farm in Southern Alberta and is a lifelong library user and book lover. She has a degree in history from the University of Saskatchewan, and a Master of Library and Information Studies from Dalhousie University. Jessie has worked in archives, academic libraries, corporate records management, and now public libraries. Her current role is Communications & Engagement Manager at Marigold Library System. She currently lives in Calgary with her partner and, in true librarian fashion, three cats. Jessie likes to read (of course), knit, consume way too many true crime podcasts, and lift weights in the gym.