Vertical Files
- Subject HeadingsThe majority of our vertical files are organized according to our classification system and are catalogued. Some of the vertical files are organized alphabetically by subject. The following Word document can help you locate these items.
Xwi7xwa Library Guide
Indigenous Librarianship Research Guide QR Code
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Indigenous Librarianship
"Indigenous librarianship unites the discipline of librarianship with Indigenous approaches to knowledge, theory, and research methodology." (From Indigenous Librarianship by Burns, Doyle, Joseph & Krebs, 2009).
"It is my view that you need to look carefully at the way Aboriginal people are portrayed in libraries, and you need to reach out to Aboriginal people and show us that we are welcome to participate in an area which we were excluded from for a long time." (From Mick Dodson cited in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Library and Information Resources Network Protocols, 2012).
Featured Resources
- Indigenous Notions of Ownership and Libraries, Archives and Museums edited by Camille Callison, Loriene Roy and Gretchen Alice LeCheminantContributions from experts in the field of indigenous knowledge protection convey its dynamic character. Indigenous knowledge is sustained and transformed to produce "new" knowledge in new media, including modern forms of music, theatre and dance, film, poetry, etc. in libraries and archives.
- Truth and Reconciliation Report and Recommendations (CFLA-FCAB)Makes 10 recommendations to enhance experiences and opportunities for Indigenous peoples and researchers in Canada by decolonizing libraries and archives and their practices. Published 2017.
- When Research is Relational: Supporting the Research Practices of Indigenous Studies Scholars (Ithaka S+R)Aims to contribute to research on how mainstream cultural institutions, including libraries, archives and museums, contribute to – and can begin to rectify – historic and ongoing practices of colonization and foster Indigenous approaches to librarianship. Concludes with suggestions for how libraries and the Western academy can support research within Indigenous research paradigms. Published 2019.
- K.I.N. Knowledge in Indigenous Networks"Kia aho matuahia te taketake, kia tūwaerea te tau... When intellect turns to intuition, knowledge becomes wisdom." A place where Indigenous researchers can share experiences, challenges and triumphs. See blog posts under the tag #librarianship. Based in New Zealand.
- Australian Indigenous Knowledge and Libraries [e-book]"[D]eveloping clear and high standards of practice [...] requires the profession to do more than understand Indigenous concerns and perspectives on the issues. It requires, as much, an unsettling of established practice, and the questioning of some of the assumptions on which accepted practice rests."
- Indigenous Library and Information Studies projectsStudents from LIS 598 were asked to create an online resource based on Indigenous librarianship within a Canadian context. The intention of this website is to promote student work and to build the discipline of Indigenous Librarianship.
- Joining the Circle: An Indigenous 101 Toolkit (University of Toronto Libraries)This toolkit aims to "encourage interest in developing Indigenous cultural competency for library staff employed at the University of Toronto Libraries" and introduces land acknowledgements, key concepts, terminology and further resources. Authored by Jamie Lee Morin with contributions from Desmond Wong.
Indigenous Policy Development
Increasingly, public heritage institutions are developing policies and protocols that are responsive to Indigenous interests and access, the care and handling of materials, and cultural and intellectual property considerations.
- Protocols for Libraries & Archives in Australia: Incorporating Indigenous Perspectives in the Information FieldThorpe, Kirsten. IFLA Conference Presentation (June 2013).
- The Future Now: Canada's Libraries, Archives & Public MemoryRoyal Society of Canada Expert Panel Report (November 2013).
- Indigenous Subject Headings Modifications at Red River College PresentationRed River College Library in Winnipeg, MB recently embarked on a subject headings editing process. They considered different ways to spell Indigenous data and a training component for all Library users to decolonize and use new subject headings. This link includes the presentation recording about the project delivered on May 4, 2020.