Windsor Public Library will be marking the first National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada on Thursday, September 30 with displays of Indigenous content and resources at all branches and online at the Digital Branch.

Check out a video on Truth and Reconciliation prepared by staff from the WPL Digital Branch

In June, the government declared the day a federal statutory holiday, with the intent to nationally recognize the impact of residential schools in the country. This recognition comes in part as a response to the 2015 Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada (TRC) Report, which set out 94 Calls to Action as a framework to honour the experiences of residential schools survivors and build towards strong respectful relationships between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal peoples in Canada.

“Windsor Public Library takes seriously our role in effectively responding to Call for Action #69, which sets out the goals of bringing together Indigenous and non-Indigenous neighbours plus facilitate public education,” says WPL CEO Kitty Pope.  “Since the publication of the TRC Report, we have been working to make sure we have both print and digital resources that reflect Indigenous experiences in Canada, with particular focus on materials published about Windsor or Essex County First Nations.”

All branches will mark September 30 with displays of our Indigenous content and resources, with several branches offering craft kits or virtual programs that will offer learning opportunities for the community (check out our Events Calendar to stay up to date on our programs and crafts!).  Staff have curated lists of books to help get you started on exploring what we have available at the library.

For more information about efforts of reconciliation at the Windsor Public Library going forward, check out the most recent report from the August 17, 2021 WPL Board Meeting and other digital resources here.

 

TRUTH AND RECONCILIATION DAY TAKE AND LEARN KITS

Available at Central Branch, this kit includes resources to help you learn more about the meaning behind the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Pick up your free kit, designed for all ages, at 185 Ouellette Avenue.

 

MEDICINE WHEEL TAKE AND LEARN KITS 

Available at Forest Glade Branch, be part of learning and honouring the survivors, their families, and communities by learning how  to make your own Medicine Wheel.  The Medicine Wheel has been used by generations of various Indigenous tribes and reminds us all about the importance of appreciating and respecting the ongoing interconnectedness and interrelatedness of all things. Pick up a free Medicine Wheel kit at  3211 Forest Glade Drive for kids 5 and up.