Indigenous Respect and Acknowledgement Declaration
Policy Number: 2.A-04
Policy Title: Indigenous Respect and Acknowledgement Declaration
Category: Foundation policies
Adopted: November 2018
Last Review: n/a
Background:
The Perth and District Union Public Library Board understands the need to recognize and embrace the principles of Truth and Reconciliation with Ontario’s Indigenous population, as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report and The Journey Together: Ontario’s Commitment to Reconciliation with Indigenous Peoples.
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:
The Library acknowledges the Canadian Federation of Library Association’s (CFLA) Truth and Reconciliation Committee recommendations, and have chosen to implement recommendations appropriate to our library as outlined below.
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 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 traditional territory of the Algonquin Anishnaabeg People.”
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 space planning, signage, etc, as described in the library’s policy on services to Indigenous peoples.
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:
• 2.F-1: Collection development
• 2.G-5: Information services
• 2.G-6: Programming
• 2.G-13: Resource sharing and collaboration
• 2.G-19: Services to Indigenous peoples (under development)
• 3.C: Collection Development Plan
• Appendix G: CFLA Library & Literacy Services for Indigenous (First Nations, Métis & Inuit) Peoples of Canada Position Statement