Indigenous Respect and Acknowledgement Declaration

Indigenous Respect and Relations

Policy Number: 2.A-04
Policy Title: Indigenous Respect and Relations
Category: Foundation policies
Adopted: November 2018
Last Review: November 2025

Background:

The Perth and District Union Public Library Board recognizes and embraces the principles of Truth and Reconciliation with Ontario’s Indigenous population, as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report, The Journey Together: Ontario’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples, the Canadian Federation of Library Association’s (CFLA) Truth and Reconciliation Committee Report and the Ontario Public Library Guidelines (22nd edition, guideline 14.10).

The library subscribes to the principles stated in the Canadian Federation of Library Association’s Library & Literacy Services for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis & Inuit) Peoples of Canada Position Statement.

Policy:

Acknowledgement:
With this understanding, the library acknowledges the Indigenous Peoples on whose traditional territories we live and work. We believe that acknowledging territory shows recognition of and respect for Indigenous Peoples, both in the past and the present. We believe that the territorial acknowledgements are not simply a pro forma statement made before a meeting; but a vital part of the business. We believe that recognition and respect are essential elements of establishing healthy, reciprocal relations and are key to reconciliation.

The Perth & District Union Public Library will use the following Respect and Land Acknowledgement Declaration at the beginning of all library board meetings:

“We [I] would like to begin by acknowledging that the land on which we gather is the unceded traditional territory of the Omàmìwininì / Algonquin Anishnaabeg People. We are grateful for the many opportunities this relationship and land provides to everyone.”

The library encourages the individual providing the land acknowledgement to add a personalized acknowledgement that reflects their relationship to the land and waters, and any meaningful actions and commitments that they have made or suggested to support the ongoing care of the land and waters.

Consultation
The library has established an Indigenous Advisory Circle, and will consult with this Circle for guidance and direction in the development of library services and programs relating to Indigenous cultures and histories (see Appendix H: Indigenous Advisory Circle Terms of Reference).

Collection
The library will provide collections relating to Indigenous cultures, languages, and peoples, including books, graphic novels, audio and video. Our collection will include titles by and about First Nation, Inuit and Métis communities, and will include titles presented in the First Nation Communities Read program.

Access and Classification
The library acknowledges that there may be structural biases in library catalogue access and classification, and as new standards are developed nationally, the library will implement them (e.g. revised subject headings for Indigenous peoples of Canada in the catalogue).

Libraries and Space
The library will recognize and support Indigenous cultures, languages, and forms of knowledge through culturally appropriate and welcoming space planning and signage (e.g. signage in Indigenous languages, a distinct Indigenous Knowledge Centre or collections area, etc.).

Library Services
The library will provide library services to Indigenous peoples and share elements of Indigenous culture with non-Indigenous persons. Programs relating to Indigenous cultures and histories will be run and presented in collaboration with Indigenous community members.

Copyright
The library acknowledges and respects the Indigenous cultural concept of copyright with regard to Indigenous history or heritage, which is often located in but not limited to oral traditions, songs, dance, storytelling, anecdotes, place names, hereditary names and other forms of Indigenous knowledges.

Best Practices
The library commits to researching and adopting best practices in services to Indigenous Peoples in libraries as they are determined and disseminated by the national library community.

See also:

Appendix H: Indigenous Advisory Circle Terms of Reference
F-1: Collection development
G-5: Information services
G-6: Programming
G-13: Resource sharing and collaboration
G-19: Services to Indigenous peoples (under development)
C: Collection Development Plan
Appendix G: CFLA Library & Literacy Services for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis & Inuit) Peoples of Canada Position Statement