Ottawa – The Ottawa Public Library (OPL) is celebrating Indigenous Heritage Month, in a spirit of respect and recognition. OPL is offering a variety of informative programs, free activities, book suggestions and opportunities to learn about the history, culture and contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples. The Library is committed to supporting and promoting truth and reconciliation by providing programs and resources that contribute to understanding and awareness about Indigenous peoples and encourage reflection and appreciation of the challenges Indigenous Canadians have and continue to face.
From June 1 to 30, Ottawa residents are invited to join us for the following activities:
- National Indigenous History Month eRead: Moon of the Crusted Snow by Waubgeshig Rice will be available in eBook and audio versions in English and eBook versions in French for reading by an unlimited number of OPL clients at the same time. Waubgeshig Rice is an author and journalist originally from Wasauksing First Nation. His first short story collection, Midnight Sweatlodge, was inspired by his experiences growing up in an Anishinaabe community and won an Independent Publishers Book Award in 2012. Moon of the Crusted Snow explores the struggles of several Indigenous community members to survive amidst a societal collapse. But once again, the author proves that light can emerge from the depth of darkness and that as one society crumbles, another is born. On June 1, click on the following links to borrow the eBook:
- OPL Indigenous Film Festival: From June 6 to 27, OPL is partnering with the National Film Board of Canada to offer an online screening of a series of Canadian films which show the multiple facets of the Indigenous communities, the diverse lives they live, and the many ways prejudice still impacts them every day. These films reflect the vastness and diversity in the Canadian population as a whole, and the many Indigenous nations who live, work and play on this land we call Canada. Most films are in English and will be subtitled in French; films in French will be subtitled in English. Visit the OPL website for more information and details and to register. Registration is required.
- Pow Wow Workout with Amanda Fox, June 14, 11 am to 12 pm at 670 Albert St.; program for older adults: OPL and Good Companions seniors centre are joining forces especially for Seniors Month and Indigenous History Month with a pow wow workout, led by Amanda Fox. Now based in Ottawa, Amanda Fox is Ojibwe from Wiikwemkoong Unceded Territory on Manitoulin Island. She combines her roles as a jingle dress dancer, singer, drummer, artist, and facilitator in an easy-to-follow workout that shares her culture and promotes physical health. A pow wow is a gathering to celebrate First Nations culture through dance, music, food and artistry.
- Traditional Métis Jigging with Brad Lafortune, June 17, 11 am to 11:45 am at the Beaverbrook branch, and July 6, 2 pm at the St-Laurent Library branch - perfect for families. All ages are invited to join in a rousing and informative introduction to traditional Métis jigging. Participants will learn the basic steps before engaging in dances such as the Red River Jig, Heel-Toe Polka, Orange Blossom Special, and a group dance called: “7 steps”. Brad Lafortune will start with the basics while weaving in stories of Métis culture and history from the fur trade to today.
- Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival The Library will be at the Ottawa Summer Solstice Indigenous Festival on Saturday, June 24, at Mādahòkì Farm, camped out with the Bookmobile all day long. It will be a chance for festival goers to learn about OPL’s Indigenous collection, find out more about OPL programs and services, get a library card and take some great reads home to enjoy.
For further information and details of programs that are being offered during the month, please check the OPL website.
In addition to the programs we have mentioned, a list of resources from our Indigenous collection is available on the Indigenous webpageso that Ottawa readers can get a broader perspective on Indigenous cultures and languages.
For information about Indigenous History Month activities, visit BiblioOttawaLibrary.ca.