Calgary Public Library commits to listening to, learning from, and building relationships with local Indigenous communities. As we continue our journey towards Truth and Reconciliation, working with partners is integral. 

The Elders Story Project 

The Elders Knowledge Circle Society (EKCS) is a collective including more than 30 First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Elders and Knowledge Keepers who either experienced residential and day schools themselves or are the children of those who did.  

“We’re passing knowledge on to them, to those young people. And we’re also engaging with those Western agencies, those Western organizations that are stepping into our circle. Because now we’re following two different types of systems, the Western and the (Indigenous) oral system.”  

— Grandfather Patrick Daigneault, Elders Story Project: A Learning and Healing Toolkit 

The Elders Story Project enables the EKCS to share personal stories about their residential school experience and their healing journeys. As part of this project, a digital and physical toolkit has been developed to help share resources with the community. 

What is the Elders Story Project Toolkit? 

Elders Story Project: A Learning and Healing Toolkit includes information and resources on mental health, spiritual healing, cultural teachings and learnings, and protocols and practices. It introduces topics from Elders and connects people to resources that encourage and support further learning and healing. 

Calgary Public Library is a collaborator on the toolkit and worked with the Elders to ensure the content is accurate and relevant.  

“When we work to understand a perspective [different] from our own, and then examine that understanding with an eye to finding connections with our own perspective, or our own worldview, we begin to create an ethical space.” 

— Grandparents Reg and Rose Crowshoe, Elders Story Project: A Learning and Healing Toolkit 

Printed toolkits are available at all Library locations for in-library use or you can access the digital version of the toolkit on the EKCS website. Community members are encouraged to read the toolkit to support their own journey towards Truth and Reconciliation.  

Explore more Truth and Reconciliation Resources here.