We are so inspired by the work of @barriepubliclibrary in renaming their main floor flex space to Enji-Maawnjiding, “The Gathering Place". Such a beautiful step towards creating a space within the library that is hospitable towards Indigenous folks.⠀
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At each of the four #tbaypl locations, we are in the process of renaming our "Indigenous Knowledge Centres". If you have suggestions for a name, email Samantha Martin-Bird at smartin-bird@tbpl.ca⠀
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"The renaming of the Barrie Public Library main floor flex space to Enji-Maawnjiding, “The Gathering Place,” was the first step in a journey we have started to decolonize our library spaces. The Enji-Maawnjiding name was suggested to us by the @barrienativefriendshipcentre ⠀
and translated into Ojibwe by local elder, Ernestine Baldwin. It is a place where knowledge and learning are shared, conversations are sparked, and stories are told.⠀
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Having a naming ceremony allowed us to acknowledge and to pay respect to those who have walked the land before us. It is the land that connects us to one another and the ties that bind us together. Lyla Kinoshameg offered an opening prayer in Ojibwe, Hank Monague of the BeauSoleil First Nation performed a traditional drumming song, and local dignitaries offered words of encouragement, each celebrating the naming of this shared space.⠀
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We are committed to future collaborations with the Barrie Native Friendship Centre, Metis Nation and the Indigenous community in Barrie. It is our goal to continue to offer programs that will help share knowledge and support our history, because it belongs to all of us. Our ancestors made an agreement, and as guest speaker Brian Charles, off-reserve Band member of the Chippewas of Georgina Island, reminded us, “We must honour the agreements of the past whether they be wampum belt, handshake or spoken word.” It is our shared responsibility to discover the truth beyond colonialism and to foster public libraries where we are all welcome." - S. McGovern⠀
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#yqt #ylk #beausoleilfirstnation #IndigenousSpace #decolonize #indigenize #LibraryNDNs ⠀
