Activating Indigenous Canada at Your Library
The Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA-FCAB) Indigenous Matters Committee, in collaboration with Edmonton Public Library, Northern Lights Library System, and Toronto Public Library, has developed a toolkit to help public libraries promote and program for the Indigenous Canada MOOC.
Indigenous Canada is a FREE Massive Open Online Course (MOOC) created by the University of Alberta, Faculty of Native Studies that looks at key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective, highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations. As of December 2017, over 16,000 people were signed up for this MOOC.
Libraries across Canada are encouraged to engage with the Indigenous Canada MOOC through public programming and staff training opportunities.
Edmonton Public Library (EPL) activated Indigenous Canada through a series of speaker events, an exhibit, and the launch of the Voices of Amiskwaciy a digital platform supporting Indigenous storytelling. The link to the Indigenous Canada MOOC is also prominently displayed on EPL’s Exploring Reconciliation page. Check it out here.
Northern Lights Library System’s Morinville Community Library is engaging with Indigenous Canada through Learning Circle sessions, an exhibit in partnership with Rise In Solidarity Edmonton (RISE), as well as a Blanket Exercise. See their Facebook page for more info.
Toronto Public Library (TPL) promoted Indigenous Canada through a launch event with Chief Stacey Laforme, Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation, as well as a 12-week Learning Circle. At TPL, Indigenous Canada is also being offered to staff as a training and professional development opportunity. For more info on TPL’s Indigenous Canada activities, have a look at their blog post.
Join the movement! The next student cohorts for the Indigenous Canada MOOC start on December 25, 2017 and January 22, 2017. Check out the toolkit on the CFLA-FCAB website for resources on programming, promotion and outreach.
Activate Indigenous Canada at your library today!