current and historical realities of Indigenous Peoples, along with cognizance of Indigenous cultures, Knowledges, and protocols. This LibGuide equips public library staff with multimedia resources to help further the relationships and partnerships with Indigenous communities in respectful, educated, and culturally appropriate ways. The guide includes information regarding Land Rights, Arts and Culture, Booklists of Indigenous Stories by, for, and about First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples. It is our intention to have this guide serve as a starting point for public library staff who wish to create spaces, programs, and services for and by Indigenous Peoples in public libraries. Given the industry’s lack of substantive training, staff must rely on their own research to move towards an understanding of Indigenous communities. Our guide will help staff approach communities in an informed and respectful manner.
WEBSITE: https://ualberta-lis.libguides.com/a-place-to-start-indigenous-library-programs
Margarita Radzevich (she/her) is a white settler and a first-generation immigrant living in Tkaronto (Toronto) on Treaty 13 territory. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in History with a minor in Sociology and a Master of Arts degree with a focus on Indigenous History. Margarita works as a Community Librarian, bringing organizations and residents together to increase access to resources, promote social cohesion and create community-led spaces. Margarita is currently working towards completing the Master of Library Studies degree from the University of Alberta.
Contact: radzevic@ualberta.ca
Erin Willson (she/her) is a White settler living in what is now known as Dundas, Ontario on Treaty 3, 1792 territory, the traditional Lands of the Haudenosaunee and Anishinabek. Erin holds an honours Bachelor of Arts in English Literature from McMaster University and is currently studying for a Master’s of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta. Erin works as a Youth Services Programmer and Staff Technology Instructor with the Hamilton Public Library.
Contact: eewillso@ualberta.ca
Mel Edgar (she/her) is a white settler living (with her dog, cat and husband) in the qathet Regional District in the traditional territory of the Tla’amin Nation. Mel is a lifelong learner and a long-distance runner. She has two masters degrees, and a PhD. She is currently completing a Master’s of Library and Information Studies at the University of Alberta. Mel works as a Teen Services Coordinator at the Powell River Public Library.
Contact: medgar@ualberta.ca