WAWA — The Wawa Public Library has lined up an exciting series of guest speakers, artists, and activities for this year’s First Nations Public Library Week.
Libraries across the province are set to host events to raise awareness of First Nations resources, services, programs, and activities as part of this annual tradition that began in 2000.
This year’s theme is “Skaíhwa’t | Dgogaabwi | Standing Together.”
Skaíhwa’t is a Mohawk term for the concept of consensus on one matter or standing together, while Dgogaabwi is Anishinaabemowin and means to stand with or participate with others.
Together, this trio of terms symbolizes an act of solidarity.
Speaking of solidarity, the Wawa Public Library’s involvement with First Nations Public Library Week arose out of a recent partnership with Michipicoten First Nation.
“A couple of years ago one of our board members came to us at a board meeting and said that Michipicoten First Nation was without a library,” said CEO and head librarian Suzie Jarrell. “So we decided, as a board and staff, to extend an invitation to Chief Tangie and the community — see if they would like to access our library services [and] last October this was accomplished and we felt really happy about that.”
Jarrell expressed her excitement for the upcoming events of the week, including a “traditional tea” hosted by Jackie Tangie, fire-keeper Dan Ayotte’s teaching and discussion of First Nations medicines and traditional practices, and an afternoon of painting with Christina Bekintis.
Local author Danni Peters will also be among the many indigenous artists showcasing their work at the library.
Peters' book, Compatible Strangers: A Divine Destiny, will be displayed alongside local artwork.
She said she is "happy" for the opportunity to participate in the week's events.
The library's celebration of First Nations Public Library Week is just one of many events they have hosted or taken part in since collaborating with Michipicoten First Nation, including Red Dress Day, National Indigenous Peoples Day, National Indigenous History Month, the National Day of Truth & Reconciliation, and a Youth and Elder’s Gathering held by Michipicoten First Nation in August.
“The board and staff felt it was important to also expand our collection and, of course, recognize and acknowledge important days and First Nations celebrations,” said Jarrell.
The celebration of First Nations’ cultural uniqueness with creative library programming also coincides with Canadian Library Month. It seems an appropriate way to kick-off the month-long promotion of public library services.
“I think it’s just mostly – especially following after National Day of Truth and Reconciliation – everyone needs to acknowledge that we are on Robinson-Superior Treaty territory and we need to acknowledge our First Nations neighbours,” said Jarrell. “We should be wanting to share and learn these traditions that they have… what they mean… the spirituality behind them… I think it would strengthen us as a community, as a whole.”
In terms of accessibility, all the events hosted by the Wawa Public Library will be free-of-charge.
“We don’t want to impose a cost on anything,” said Jarrell. “[I] encourage everyone to come and check it out and learn something and be involved.”
The Ontario Library Service in collaboration with the Ontario Library Association will also be hosting virtual events throughout the week, including an “Elder’s Panel” and “First Nation Librarian Tea and Chat”.
