Indigenous 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.
Respectful Subject Headings
We have begun the implementation of Respectful Subject Headings in our catalogue. Quite simply this is a move away from using outdated and colonial subject headings in reference to Indigenous peoples.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 ). 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.
National Day for Truth
and Reconciliation
September 30
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.
Indigenous History Month
Month of June
Each June, we honour National Indigenous History Month by highlighting powerful books by First Nations, Inuit, and Métis authors. Look for our recommended reads from the First Nation Communities READ program, featuring stories for all ages. Explore more Indigenous titles in our collection online or at your local branch.
Five Powerful Picks from
First Nation Communities READ
Discover more Indigenous titles in our collection.
Library Resources and Book Lists for Adults
Find books that highlight various issues, discussions and challenges relating to reconciliation, Indigenous-settler relations, and Residential Schools in Canada. These collections include local and national perspectives, historic and contemporary contexts, and a variety of voices, including first-person accounts from survivors and books for children.
You can also explore these reading lists from CBC Books:
Library Resources for Children
Support kids in learning and reflecting on Residential Schools and Indigenous cultures through books and interactive learning. We offer thoughtful children’s books that explain these important topics in age-appropriate ways.
Explore the free online portal launched by Anishinabek Nation featuring animated videos, games, and activities. Designed for elementary students, but accessible to anyone with a computer and an internet connection.
Online Resources
Native Land: Maps and information on Indigenous territories, languages and treaty regions.
TRC Bobcaygeon: Truth and Reconciliation Community Bobcaygeon works to foster and develop respectful relationships among non-Indigenous people, Indigenous neighbours and the Land.
We Are All Treaty People: 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
Need help?
Call your local branch or email libraryadministration@kawarthalakeslibrary.ca for assistance.
Contact Us
Kawartha Lakes Public Library
P.O. Box 9000, 190 Kent Street West
Lindsay, Ontario, K9V 2Y6
Phone: 705-324-9411 ext 1291
Email