Truth, Decolonization and Reconciliation

New Westminster Public Library is committed to the process of Truth and Reconciliation. We understand that as a colonial institution there is much to do both internally and within our community to decolonize our processes, services and programs.

Our journey has begun by educating ourselves. We are working to develop an understanding and appreciation of the lived experiences and historical wrongs committed against First Nations individuals and communities. We also seek to find ways to celebrate and amplify First Nations cultures, voices and perspectives through our programs, collections and services.

Land Acknowledgement

It is recognised and respected that our work takes place on the unceded and unsurrendered land of the Halkomelem-speaking peoples.
It is acknowledged that colonialism has made invisible their histories and connections to the land.
As a city, we are learning and building relationships with the people whose lands we are on.

The library aims to become a place to support our learning and growth as a community as we further our journey along the path to reconciliation. And as we learn, and adapt to new understandings and truths, so too may our land acknowledgement, programs, collections and services change through time.

Truth & Reconciliation “Calls to Action”

Going forward, we are in part guided by the Calls to Action of Canada’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission — specifically those directed at libraries.

These Calls to Action were examined and interpreted within a library framework by the Canadian Federation of Library Association’s Truth and Reconciliation Committee. We have taken note and will continually report out on our progress on each of these through time.

For some of the ways we’ve answered the Calls to Action here at NWPL, please see below. And, for the full list of Calls to Action, see here.

Call to Action #69: We call upon Library and Archives Canada to … iii. Commit more resources to its public education materials and programming on residential schools.

NWPL continues to organize how we can respectively access First Nations knowledge keepers, cultural artisans, and authors to help us highlight the lived lives, experiences, and history of First Nations through our programming and services.

Examples of our work to date:

  • 2024: Orange Shirt Day book giveaway We created a Truth and Reconciliation bookmark and encouraged our younger patrons to complete one or more of the suggested Orange Shirt Day activities we highlighted on it. Those who did received a free children’s book by an Indigenous author. We awarded one book per family while supplies lasted.
  • 08-22-2024: Public unveiling of Rain Pierre’s artwork Filled with gratitude, we held an event unveiling the brilliant work of artist Rain Pierre and his team that permanently adorns both floors of our Main Branch space. The artwork features 19 concrete pillars wrapped with vinyl graphics and a carved maple wood panel with epoxy resin fill. For full details about this initiative, see the City of New Westminster’s page, Our Community, Our Way.
  • 07-14-2023: Squamish Stories with Kung Jaadee Renowned storyteller Kung Jaadee shared Squamish stories popularized by Indigenous activist and poet E. Pauline Johnson’s book, Legends of Vancouver. Kung Jaadee (Roberta Kennedy) is a professional storyteller, educator, and published author belonging to the Xaayda (Haida) xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam) and Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish) First Nations. Her Haida name, Kung Jaadee, means “Moon Woman” and was presented to her at her great uncle’s memorial feast by her cousin Crystal Robinson.
  • 05-6-2023: Meet the Artist: sɬə́məxʷ (Rain Pierre) The artist selected to created a new piece of public art for the library, Rain Pierre, had the chance to introduce himself, present his process and his work, answer questions, and get to know the community. Refreshments were served.
  • 11-15-2022: Author Talk with Bruce McIvor Dr. Bruce McIvor discussed his book, Standoff: How Reconciliation Fails Indigenous People and How to Fix It. In this series of concise and thoughtful essays, Bruce explains why reconciliation with Indigenous peoples is failing and what needs to be done to fix it. Bruce is a partner at First Peoples Law LLP, a law firm dedicated to defending and advancing Indigenous Peoples’ inherent and constitutionally protected title, rights, and treaty rights. His work includes both litigation and negotiation on behalf of Indigenous Peoples. Bruce is recognized internationally as a leading practitioner of Aboriginal law in Canada.
  • 06-16-2022: Author Talk with Lynda Gray Author Lynda Gray spoke about her new book, the 2nd edition of First Nations 101. Areas covered included: A broad overview of how the shared history between Indigenous people and non-Indigenous people plays out today; How to be a great ally; and What is reconciliation? Lynda is a member of the Gisbutwada/Killerwhale Clan of the Ts’msyen Nation on the Northwest Coast of BC. Although she is from Lax Kw’alaams and was born in Prince Rupert, she spent most of her life in East Vancouver until she bought a home in Prince Rupert in 2013 so that she and her children could return home more often to (re)connect to their Nation, family, land, and culture. Lynda is the proud mother of two adult children: Northwest Coast artist Phil Gray and professor Dr. Robin Gray.
  • 06-07-2021: Meet the Author: Richard Van Camp Author Richard Van Camp, a Dogrib Tłıchǫ writer of the Dene nation from Fort Smith, Northwest Territories, spent some time with us. He is the author of 26 books, including board books for babies such as Little You and We Sang You Home,”and the graphic novel Three Feathers (which is also a feature film). Richard’s writing has been influenced by the tradition of oral storytelling.
  • 2021: Indigenous Film Series We collaborated with the New Westminster Museum and Archives to host an Indigenous Film Series, which included both viewings and discussions with Indigenous filmmakers and creators.

Call to Action #62: We call upon the federal, provincial, and territorial governments, in consultation and collaboration with Survivors, Aboriginal peoples, and educators, to … Make age-appropriate curriculum on residential schools, Treaties, and Aboriginal peoples’ historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students.

Examples of our work to date:

  • We maintain a rich collection of material for children and teens authored by Indigenous creators. This material is reviewed regularly to ensure it remains relevant, appropriate and authentic.
  • We recognize the need to audit our collections and to embark on the process of “decolonizing” our materials to make meaningful this particular call to action. We are learning about what this process can look like and working to develop a plan around this work.

Call to Action #57: We call upon federal, provincial, territorial, and municipal governments to provide education to public servants on the  history of Aboriginal peoples, including the history and legacy of residential schools, the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, Treaties and Aboriginal rights, Indigenous law, and Aboriginal–Crown relations. This will require skills-based training in intercultural competency, conflict resolution, human rights, and anti-racism.

Our commitment:

  • Staff will be required to complete with certification the University of Alberta’s Indigenous Canada course, surveying the history of Canada’s treatment of First Nations and Indigenous peoples, from a First Nations perspective, since prior to contact. This program was initiated in September 2021.
  • In conjunction with the initiative of the City of New Westminster, staff are encouraged to participate in regular Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Anti-Racism workshops facilitated by professionals from diverse backgrounds.