Indigenous Reads and Resources
The Kawartha Lakes Public Library has materials for all ages to learn more about Indigenous history, including the Indian Residential School experience, and the ongoing Truth & Reconciliation process. Below you will find suggested resources, both from the library and elsewhere. This list is not complete and we welcome feedback on additional materials on the topic.
We have begun the implementation of Respectful Subject Headings. Quite simply this is a move away from using outdated and colonial subject headings in reference to Indigenous peoples. This will range from correcting spelling (Ojibwa to Ojibwe or Micmac to Mi’kmaq) to moving away from colonial terms (Eskimo to Inuit, Indians of North America to Indigenous peoples or First Nations). This is an ongoing process for the library.
To help with the process, new material added to our collection will contain the older terms as well as the new respectful subject headings so people will be able to find all the material on a specific subject. This is an ongoing process for the library.
While there are still many other old subject headings that need to be updated, the new headings are all in place. Please click here to see the list of new subject headings in place.
September 30 - National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Join us in the fall as we participate in the First Nations Communities READ program. You will find displays of books by Indigenous authors at library branches or click on the green buttons below for titles found in the library catalogue.
Library Resources for Adults
Here you will find books that highlight various issues, discussions and challenges relating to reconciliation.
Library materials that highlight national and local Indigenous-settler relations, both historic and contemporary. These resources explore key issues facing Indigenous peoples.
Library materials relating to the Residential School experience in Canada, including first person accounts from survivors, books for children, and the final report of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada. Also checkout CBC Book's two reading lists 48 books by Indigenous writers to understand residential schools and 18 books to read on Orange Shirt Day (or any day)
Library Resources for Children
Children's books on Residential Schools
Children’s books that reflect on the residential school experience in different ways.
Ezhi-nawending: How we are related
A free and interactive online learning portal recently launched by Anishinabek Nation. With 80 recorded and colourfully animated videos, plus games and interactive features, it shares lessons Canadians of all ages should learn, in a package that's appealing and fun for kids. It's designed for elementary students, but accessible to anyone with a computer and an internet connection.
Online Information
Williams Treaties First Nations
Harvesting, protection and conservation information on the Williams Treaties First Nations, whose traditional territories are located primarily in the Georgian Bay and Lake Ontario watersheds.
Maps and information on Indigenous territories, languages and treaty regions.
Truth and Reconciliation Community Bobcaygeon works to foster and develop respectful relationships among non-Indigenous people, Indigenous neighbours and the Land.
A permanent digital archive exhibit created by the library detailing some Indigenous history in Kawartha Lakes in honour of the first annual National Day of Truth and Reconciliation.
University of Alberta - Indigenous Canada training
Indigenous Canada is a free, online course from the Faculty of Native Studies (University of Alberta) that explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada. Taught from an Indigenous perspective, this course explores key issues facing Indigenous peoples today from a historical and critical perspective highlighting national and local Indigenous-settler relations
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