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Indigenous Services

Connect / Indigenous Services and Initiatives

Celebrating and honouring our shared history.

It's important for all Canadians to learn the true history of Indigenous peoples. Libraries have a big role to play in helping our communities heal by providing resources about Truth and Reconciliation, as outlined in the Calls to Action and White Goose Flying Report.

You can start your own learning journey with Library resources.

Illustrations created by 2023 Indigenous Artist in Residence, Kristy North Peigan.

Learn more about Truth and Reconciliation

National Indigenous History Month

Multiple Library locations | June 1 — 30 

Alongside partners, the Library will celebrate and honour Indigenous peoples in Calgary with events, activities, and resources. From a round dance at The Confluence (formerly Fort Calgary), to performances by Indigenous artists, and Elder Storytimes, National Indigenous History Month is filled with moments to celebrate, reflect, and learn.   

Register for a program 

These cross-cultural learning opportunities and other Indigenous programming at the Library are generously supported by Suncor Energy Foundation.

Artwork credit: Paityn Savoie

Powwow Trail 101

Multiple Library locations | Multiple dates and times
 
Want to learn more about Powwows? Have you ever wondered if there are protocols that you should know about? Throughout the summer, there will be outdoor demonstrations prior to the Siksika, Kainai, Tsuut’ina, Piikani, and Stoney Nakoda Powwows — which all make up the Powwow Trail.

Learn more about Powwow Trail

Acknowledging the importance of the land

What is a land acknowledgment? Children, caregivers, and educators can find out by practicing this simple statement, including gestures.

Learn the Treaty 7 Land Acknowledgment

Meet with Elders from different Nations

In the Children's Lodge, individuals, small groups, and students, can meet with Elders to explore topics relating to culture, history, and reconciliation. You can request a specific time to meet with the Elders, or drop-in to their open office hours.

The Elders’ Guidance Circle is supported by Suncor Energy Foundation with Elders’ honoraria provided by the Calgary Foundation. 

Request a meeting or see our schedule

Experience Indigenous Placemaking at eight locations

View both traditional and contemporary art installations by Indigenous artists at Central, Crowfoot,  Forest Lawn, Saddletowne, Seton, Signal Hill, Shawnessy and Village Square libraries. Supported by Suncor Energy Foundation.

View Indigenous Placemaking

Indigenous programs

Discover Indigenous programming that offers opportunities for all community members to explore the histories and cultures of Treaty 7.

Indigenous Programming

Indigenous languages books added to our permanent collection

Indigenous languages have long been underrepresented in literature. In 2019, the Library worked with aspiring Treaty 7 writers and illustrators to help them create children's books in their traditional languages.

Learn about the Treaty 7 Language Books collection

Learn the original languages of this land

Visit the Indigenous Languages Resource Centre on Level 4 at Central Library to meet with Elders, share stories under a night sky installation, view traditional items, and learn Treaty 7 languages. Check out our virtual resource centre to find helpful videos and apps to help you in your language learning.

Get started

Witness Blanket

The Witness Blanket is an installation by master carver Carey Newman to recognize the atrocities of the residential school era, honour the children, and symbolize ongoing reconciliation. The Witness Blanket will be on display until mid-October in the Simmons-Harvie Community Living Room, Level 4, at Central Library. 

Learn more about The Witness Blanket

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Apply to facilitate the Caretakers of the Land school program

Calgary Public Library invites Indigenous people of all nations to apply for the paid opportunity to be a facilitator for our Caretakers of the Land program for the 2023-2024 school year. Caretakers of the Land is a virtual program for grades K – 9. 

Apply before September 29, 2023 to be considered.

Indigenous Reads

Indigenous Ambassadors at the Library

Partnership is critical to the Library’s approach to reconciliation. For opportunities to partner and collaborate, or to share ideas and suggestions, please contact the Indigenous Services team by email at indigenousservices@calgarylibrary.ca.

Calgary Public Library invites expressions of interest from the Indigenous community, from people who are experienced artists, performers, knowledge keepers, storytellers, presenters, crafters, and service providers.

Submit an expression of interest

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Powwow Trail 101

Join the Library, Indigenous drum groups, and dancers from Treaty 7 to learn about the different dances performed at a powwow. You’ll also learn about protocols and what to expect if you’ve never attended a powwow before.

Îethka Stoney Nakoda Powwow Demonstration
Crowfoot Library | August 30 | 1:00 pm

Find the powwow nearest you this summer.