First Nations libraries and language resources
The First Nations Library Development Program helps First Nations establish and maintain public libraries. It provides special funding programs and on-site consultation opportunities for First Nation public libraries in each Ontario Library Service agency service area. Ontario Library Service - North is the administrative lead on the First Nation public library salary supplement component of this program.
The Ontario Library Service-North and Southern Ontario Library Service also employ library consultant staff through the program. These individuals help with First Nations public library community capacity building, training and education.
Learn more about how this ministry supports public libraries.
Literacy resources
Speak Up! is an exciting campaign to increase public awareness of the significant challenges First Nations public libraries face, as well as the opportunities they provide. Its goal is to realize the vision for First Nations public libraries set out in Our Way Forward: A Strategic Plan for Ontario First Nations Public Libraries.
First Nations Public Library Week
Every February, First Nations Public Library Week encourages First Nations public libraries to promote their resources and services to their communities through a variety of programs and activities.
The Week also encourages all public libraries to join in the celebration by offering culturally sensitive programmes and displays featuring First Nations content, authors and illustrators.
Get a good idea about the programs and activities of this annual event by visiting the First Nations Public Library Week website.
Aboriginal Library Services Sound Practices
The Sound Practices in Library Services to Aboriginal Peoples: Integrating Relationships, Resources and Realities study, led by the Provincial/Territorial Public Library Council and published in 2009, includes information on Ontario First Nations Public Library sound practices. It also provides examples of sound practices in Aboriginal public library service provided by Ontario public libraries.
Language resources
Aboriginal languages passed on from generation to generation through speaking and writing, teaching and learning, build pride and foster a sense of identity.
- The Ministry of Education has a native languages curriculum for Grades 1 through 8. It also provides other native languages resources.
- The Ministry of Aboriginal Affairs provides many literacy and basic skills links.
- Other organizations involved with fostering Aboriginal languages:
-
- Lakehead University, Aboriginal Programs
- Sault College Native Education
- Seven Generations Education Institute
- Shingwauk Kinoomaage Gamig
- Six Nations Polytechnic
- Trent University, Indigenous Studies Program
- University of Toronto, Aboriginal Studies
- University of Western Ontario, First Nations Studies Program
- Some leading Ontario Aboriginal language teachers:
-
- Dr. Cecil King, B.Ed, M.Ed. PhD, an Odawa, from Wikwemikong Unceded Indian Reserve
- Isadore Toulouse, an Ojibwe language instructor with the York Region District School Board and Lakehead University's Native Language Instructors Program
- Patricia Ningewance, an Ojibwe from Lac Seul First Nation in northwestern Ontario is an author, language teacher and translator
- Professor Shirley Williams - nee (Neganigwane) (Nishnaabe-kwe), B.A., N.L.I.P. Dip., M.A., a member of the Bird Clan of the Ojibway and Odawa First Nations of Canada.
