Truth and Reconciliation at VPL
Vancouver Public Library is on the unceded homelands of the xʷməθkʷəy̓əm (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh (Squamish), and səlilwətaɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. We acknowledge that our work requires sincere action towards decolonization.
The library is committed to the process of reconciliation with First Nations and Urban Indigenous communities.
Collections
Education for Reconciliation
TRC Recommendation #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 people’s historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students.
Museums and Archives
TRC Recommendation #69: We call upon Library and Archives Canada to:
- Ensure that its record holdings related to residential schools are accessible to the public.
- Commit more resources to its public education materials and programming on residential schools.
Our Actions:
- All VPL branches feature Indigenous collections based on consultation with community organizations in Vancouver.
- These collections for all ages highlight, acknowledge and honor the unique cultures, experiences and interests of Indigenous communities and include titles that reflect the impact of residential schools and the theme of reconciliation.
Programs and Education
Professional Development and Training for Public Servants
TRC Recommendation #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.
Education for Reconciliation
TRC Recommendation #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 people’s historical and contemporary contributions to Canada a mandatory education requirement for Kindergarten to Grade Twelve students.
Museums and Archives
TRC Recommendation #69: We call upon Library and Archives Canada to:
- Ensure that its record holdings related to residential schools are accessible to the public.
- Commit more resources to its public education materials and programming on residential schools.
Our Actions:
- VPL continues to offer the Indigenous Storyteller in Residence program as well as many other events and programs highlighting Indigenous culture and opportunities to learn, discuss, and move forward reconciliation.
- VPL maintains resource guides for information on residential schools and themes of reconciliation:
- VPL staff participates in training on the history and impacts of residential schools and colonization, as well as other cultural and human rights training.
Library Spaces
The Truth and Reconciliation Commission called for the recognition of Indigenous languages as a fundamental and valued part of Canadian culture and society. VPL is undertaking activities aligned with this call, and with recommendation #6 of the Truth and Reconciliation Report and Recommendations from the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA-FCAB).
Our Actions:
- In April 2017, VPL opened the first major civic building in Vancouver to have an Indigenous name: the nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona Branch at 730 East Hastings St.
- nə́c̓aʔmat ct Strathcona encompasses the idea of ‘we are one’ in the hən̓q̓əmin̓əm̓ (Musqueam) language. This name recognizes and honours the Coast Salish peoples and their traditional unceded territories, while also reflecting the neighbourhood’s historic city name, Strathcona.
- Local First Nations were consulted on the branch name in relation to suggested First Nations names and the use of specific Coast Salish languages.
- Learn how to pronounce nə́c̓aʔmat ct on the branch webpage.
- VPL acknowledges that our work takes place on the unceded homelands of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. Acknowledgement of this will be made by staff at meetings, programs, and events. Visual acknowledgement can be seen at our branches, on our website, and also in staff email signatures.
Progress to Date
- Report to VPL Board on VPL Indigenous Rights and Reconciliation Strategy, November 2022 [PDF Link]
- Report to VPL Board on 2019-2020 Actions to Address the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Recommendations, March 2021 [PDF Link]
- Report to VPL Board on VPL 2020 Initiative 5.4 Truth & Reconciliation, December 2018 [PDF Link]
- Report to VPL Board on VPL 2020 Initiative 5.4 Truth & Reconciliation, December 2017 [PDF Link]
- Report to VPL Board on CFLA/FCAB Truth & Reconciliation Recommendations, July 2017 [PDF Link]
- Report to VPL Board on Activities Responding to Truth and Reconciliation in 2016, November 2016 [PDF Link]
- Report to VPL Board on Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action, January 2016 [PDF Link]
