1. Read from our Treaty 7 children’s book collectionHave you joined the Challenge? Kids ages 0 – 17 can register for the Ultimate Summer Challenge and track their reading with books like these from our Treaty 7 children’s book collection. Sign up at calgarylibrary.ca/summer.2. Read Stepping Stones for help understanding the curriculumStepping Stones is a publication of the Alberta Teachers’ Association Walking Together: Education for Reconciliation. It supports teachers on their learning journey to meet the First Nations, Métis, and Inuit Foundational Knowledge competency in the Teaching Quality Standard. Parents and caregivers may also find the documents useful to build understanding of their child’s classroom curriculum, especially the Terminology Reference and Numbered Treaties: Treaty 7 documents. The Alberta map of Treaty Areas can also be downloaded at the link.3. Go to a museum virtuallyExplore Blackfoot culture and listen to Elders tell stories, like Sky Stories and Indigenous astronomy, through the Glenbow Museum’s Niitsitpiisini: Our Way of Life and The Virtual Museum of Canada.4. Watch Indigenous authors and illustrators on YoutubeLearn from Indigenous authors and illustrators through the Canadian Children’s Book Centre’s Indigenous channel on YouTube.5. Meet an ElderMeet an Indigenous Elder, attend an Indigenous Storytime and more, FREE with your Library card at our Indigenous Services page.6. Browse the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of CanadaFor grades five and up, Canadian Geographic Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada is available free in the Digital Library.7. Play games and listen to a podcastCBC Kids is a great resource for elementary school students with virtual games, online articles, video clips, and more about Canada’s Indigenous cultures. The Métis Nation of Alberta’s Youth Programs and Services team also has a podcast created by youth, for youth, called Keeping It Riel.8. Explore your own backyardAs Covid restrictions lift, explore your own backyard by visiting historic sites such as those at Blackfoot Crossing (which includes the site of the signing of Treaty 7), Writing on Stone, Head Smashed in Buffalo Jump, Métis Crossing, and in downtown Calgary, the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers at Fort Calgary. Indigenous Tourism Alberta is a great resource to find out where to camp, visit, shop, and more.9. Attend a PowwowThere are thousands of Powwow held across North America every summer and they are open to everyone to attend. Remember to dress in long pants or dresses, sit in areas for spectators (not Elders, dancers, or drummers) and avoid touching regalia or picking up an eagle feather — even though they are beautiful!10. Read stories by Indigenous authorsRead together and learn from the lived experiences of Indigenous authors with a Library booklist, or check out the Prairie Indigenous eBook Collection. The first of its kind in Canada, this collection increases access to stories by Indigenous authors and writings about Indigenous culture. Check out over 200 eBook titles from publishers in Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and Alberta.This blog post is published as part of The Kitchen Table Classroom: A Series to Support Learning from Home, a partnership with Edmonton Public Library. Visit our website for information on the next live, online workshop in the series and for more tips and tools to support learning from home.
Read more about "Stories 10 Ideas for Kids to Learn More about Treaty 7 and Métis Culture This Summer Books, videos, backyard adventures, and more will help enrich your knowledge of Indigenous culture and history."Last July, David Greer travelled from his home in Vancouver to Calgary’s Central Library, hoping to meet the people who helped him find his birth father.More than a year earlier, David had written a letter to ResearchPlus, a fee-based research and reference service at Central Library.In his letter, David explained how he was adopted as a baby in Edmonton in 1957, and for decades was fine knowing nothing about his birth family. That changed when he turned 60. He decided he wanted to find out who his birth parents were and see if he could connect with them or their families.David had applied for his records from the Alberta Post Adoption Registry in 2017. Four months later, he received a heavily redacted file and began to glean what he could about his past.The Search BeginsDavid found support from the Forget Me Not Family Society in Vancouver, which led him to connect with an Edmonton counsellor who specializes in helping adoptees find their birth parents. With the counsellor’s help, David identified his birth mother.The search for his birth father proved more difficult. David’s adoption file included no name for his birth father and just a few details. David knew his birth father lived in Calgary when he was born, was 17 years old and in Grade 12, was interested in basketball, swimming, and track, had three siblings, and a father who was an anesthetist.“I was really stuck at that point,” David says. David had previously used Vancouver Public Library’s specialized research centre, and when he learned Calgary Public Library had a similar service, he reached out.In his letter, David outlined the details he knew from his adoption file. “I said, ‘I’ve taken my search this far, can you take it any further?’ And the answer was yes,” David says. “Librarians are really smart people, and they know how to access a lot of information that we don’t necessarily think of or know of.”ResearchPlus Steps InCalgary Public Library offers free genealogy programs, such as Family History Coaching, run in partnership with the Alberta Family Histories Society. As well, the eLibrary contains a variety of free history and genealogy resources, plus Library staff at Central Library can help patrons navigate the Calgary’s Story collection, full of community heritage and family history resources.David was not in Calgary to access those free services, so he turned to ResearchPlus instead. Four Library staff members helped on David’s file, including Kayla McAlister, a Library Experience Facilitator at Central Library.Kayla says one small detail — that David’s birth father’s father was an anesthetist — is what “broke it open.”Library staff used a free Digital Resource called Ancestry Library Edition. The database contains voters’ lists, which typically include occupation. Kayla searched by occupation only, and got just a few hits.From there, another staff member, Christine Hayes, used those names to search high school yearbooks in the Calgary’s Story collection. She found a student whose last name matched one of the last names for an anesthetist on the voters’ list. The yearbook also listed the student’s interests, which matched the description from David’s file.Using that name, other members of the ResearchPlus team found more information, through other free resources including Henderson Directories and Canadian Newsstream. The ResearchPlus team shared their detailed findings with David.Kayla has been involved in genealogy research for about 25 years and says it’s a rewarding area to work in. “It’s just a way for me to help people,” she says. “It means something to people, finding this fundamental piece of who they are and where they came from.”A New ConnectionWith the information from ResearchPlus, David found a phone number for the man he believed was his birth father. Last October, he dialed the number. He got an answering machine, called again a few days later, and spoke to his birth father for 45 minutes.“He shared that for the last couple of years, he wondered when he got unknown phone calls if it would be me,” David says.Seven months after that phone call, David travelled to Ontario to meet his birth father and three new brothers. David has also gotten to know two sisters on his birth mother’s side, who he talks to regularly through a WhatsApp group chat.He’s been introduced to many extended family members on both sides, and continues to meet even more. “It’s been an amazing experience,” David says.When David travelled to Calgary in July to visit his two sisters on his birth mother’s side, he decided to stop by Central Library and meet the people who helped him on his search.“Meeting the team members face to face was just a piece of completion for me,” David says. “The work they did was incredibly valuable to me.”Guinevere Soare, a Library Experience Facilitator at Central Library who helped on David’s file, was working the day David stopped by.“I’m really, really happy for him, that he found this new extended family,” she says. “It was rewarding to hear his story and know we helped him.”
Read more about "Stories 'The work they did was incredibly valuable to me' ResearchPlus staff contributed to David Greer's Library Story by helping him find his birth father"Author Lori Beattie tells us about her new book and guides us on one of…
Read more about "Calgary’s Best Walks"Shelly McElroy is now available for free one-on-one consultations.
Read more about "Meet the Historian in Residence"Frank O’Keeffe has lived all over the world, but no matter where he travels one thing never changes — how close he stays to his local library.“I’ve always gone to the library wherever I’ve lived. They are invaluable places in our communities, and have always brought such joy to my family,” he says. “We went to live in Australia for a year when our daughter was two, we even had a library card there as well.”Frank signed up for his first Calgary Public Library card about 50 years ago. Born in Dublin, Ireland, Frank immigrated to Canada when he was 19 years old. Memorial Park Library provided him with a place to visit during the day on his way to and from work.When Frank began university, the library became a place to find free resources on the Canadian history he was studying. He eventually became a teacher, passing on the love of learning libraries instilled in him to students and his own family.“My daughter got her first Library card when she was just a little girl. She was always wanting us to take her to Memorial Park Library and read books — new books, more books,” he says. “And it was so convenient, because you could borrow as many books as you liked.”An Accomplished AuthorFrank is more than just a lover of libraries, though; he’s also an author with books on library shelves, including eight young adult novels. His ninth book is Woodbine, an adult historical fiction novel that follows a young girl and her father as they travel from Paris across Africa in the 1890s, eventually visiting Ireland as the First World War breaks out.Frank says this most recent novel, published in August 2018, could not have crossed the finish line without the help of staff at Shawnessy Library.“Three of the ladies at Shawnessy Library — Olga Tanailova, Kirsten Pedersen, and Nelli Boutchev — were instrumental in that last book being published. Those three read my last manuscript as I was writing it. They helped me research it. I even acknowledged them in the book. It couldn’t have happened without their help.”As a retired teacher and avid history buff, Frank says he enjoys the opportunity writing gives him to inject a bit of realistic humour into everyday life, “because the world can always use more of that.” His next book, The Grand Getaway, set to be published this spring, focuses heavily on that aspect.“It starts with an old folks’ home, and a homeless man. One of the patients at the home is living with dementia, and she wants to go see the Grand Canyon one last time, because she went there when she was young on the back of a motorcycle. And so, this homeless man is accidentally let into the home one day and ends up sort of hiding out there, and the two of them form a sort of unlikely friendship that leads to adventure.”‘Chitchat and Good Company’The characters explore themes that hit particularly close to home for Frank. His wife Patricia was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s 10 years ago. As the couple has grown older and their family’s needs have changed, how they use the Library has changed too.“I certainly used to read a lot, but I don’t have as much time for it now. I try to keep as active as I can, but my life involves a lot of worrying about my wife these days. Helping care for her is the most important thing,” Frank says.The Library has become a part of Patricia and Frank’s weekly routine. On Fridays, Frank takes Patricia out from the care facility where she lives and the pair go to the ESL Coffee and Conversation program at Shawnessy Library, for some “chitchat and good company.” Once a newcomer to Canada himself, Frank empathizes with the people who attend the program.“Many of the folks I meet at the Library are immigrants, just like me,” he says. “As an older patron, what I get out of the Library now is companionship. I’m still pretty active, and I don’t have any health problems, but it can be hard to meet new people. The Library is an important means of communication for me.”We want to know how the Library has made a difference in your life. Submit your own Library Story online.
Read more about "Stories ‘Invaluable Places in Our Communities’ Frank O'Keeffe has been writing his Library Story for over 50 years"Whether you’re looking to help develop your student’s literacy skills or simply foster a lifelong love of books, you’ve come to the right place. Check out our list of free eResources to help your child discover the magic of reading and writing as they learn new things, read about their interests, and follow the adventures of their favourite characters. Use your free Library membership to access these great apps and resources in the Digital Library. No Library card? No problem. Sign up for free online and start using it now. Beanstack Need some help finding great reading material? Beanstack has you covered. Get personalized reading recommendations for every member of the family, sent weekly to your inbox. eReading Room for Kids Visit the eReading Room for Kids to borrow children’s eBooks for free with your Library card. Read or listen to eBooks on your computer or take them with you on your mobile device with the free Libby app. Check out our One Week Loans for Beginning Readers. There’s no wait time, and you can have two early readers checked out at once. When you're done, just return them and check out two more. Bookflix Cuddle up and read with Bookflix! Find your favourite picture book classics paired with related non-fiction books for early readers. Read aloud together or watch and listen to an animated version of the picture book. Enhance reading comprehension with quizzes and puzzles after the story. Does your early reader love big trucks? Check out the Imagination section, where you can read or listen along to the picture book I Stink (about a smelly garbage truck) paired with a Mighty Machines book (about real garbage trucks). (Ages 6 – 8) Canadian Encyclopedia Read and learn about Canadian history and culture in the Canadian Encyclopedia. Search for a specific topic or browse more than 30,000 multimedia items, including images, maps, games, audio, and video. For help with essays on important Canadians, try reading the special collection on women in Canadian history in the Canadian Encyclopedia. These short articles tell the stories of Canadian women — including 47 Indigenous women — who paved the way in music, art, politics, sports, suffrage, and leadership. (Ages 9 – 12) Learning Express Learning Express is a database offering practice tests and tutorials for students in Grades 4 and up, including reading comprehension and math. There are also helpful career exploration resources for high school students considering their next steps after graduation. Kanopy Kids Kanopy is a free movie and TV streaming app with a section just for kids. Your child can watch their favourite cartoon characters and educational shows from any device. Love a good story? Visit the kids’ section of Kanopy to watch animated versions of your child’s favourite books with beloved characters like Pigeon, Scaredy Squirrel, and Curious George. (Ages 5–10) TumbleBook Library Listen and read along with animated story books for young children, their parents, and teachers in TumbleBook Library. Read-alongs are a wonderful way to help improve your child’s reading skills as they hear the story read to them and follow the text at the same time. Check out their cute and colourful read-alongs that are perfect for beginner readers. (Ages 5 – 7) Older kids can enjoy read-alongs too! Browse a selection of chapter books that your older child will love, or check out their collection of read-along children’s classics like Anne of Green Gables.
Read more about "Stories Reading and Writing eResources for ages 5 – 12"MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 6, 2018Calgary, AB — Calgary Public Library is thrilled to announce the artists who are creating Indigenous art installations for the new Central Library, opening November 1, 2018. The collaborative works by six Indigenous artists — all from, or with a connection to Treaty 7 territory — will define three spaces in the new Central Library.Keegan Starlight, Kalum Teke Dan, and Roland Rollinmud are collaborating on a colourful and vast wall mural in the new Central Library’s main entrance. Visitors will carry this impactful piece with them as they travel throughout the Library.On the feature stairs leading to the mezzanine level, there is a platform in the heart of the building that will feature a life-size buffalo sculpture made up of metal letters that spell various words in Indigenous languages, created by Lionel Peyachew.On Level 4, the Elders’ Guidance Circle will feature a stunning table and distinct furniture by Glenna Cardinal and a large photo and text-based piece by Brittney Bear Hat. The Elders’ Guidance Circle is a safe and comfortable space where anyone can meet with Elders, join in Indigenous programming, and more."Calgary Public Library knows that a public library is about more than just providing access to books; it’s about creating public gathering spaces where people can connect with one another and share ideas, knowledge, stories, and culture. Indigenous Placemaking at New Central Library will create a welcoming environment where Indigenous people can feel their culture reflected in an urban setting and where all Library visitors can learn about the original inhabitants of the land that we also call Calgary," says Shereen Samuels, Vice Chair of the Calgary Public Library Board."I’m pleased to be a part of this important initiative with the Calgary Public Library. For myself this project brings me a step closer to uncovering my family's heritage and understanding of our history through storytelling. I am creating a project that is about reminiscing and focusing on the care that reveals itself in the moments that are shared between family members," says Brittney Bear Hat.The project began nearly a year ago with insight from the Indigenous Place Making Council of Canada followed by community engagement meetings at Stoney Nation, Siksika Nation, Tsuu’tina Nation, Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary."What makes this process so unique is how community-driven it has been,” says Teneya Gwin, Indigenous Services Design Lead at the Library. “We’ve been so adaptive based on the feedback we’ve received."The new Central Library is located in the growing community of East Village, close to Fort Calgary, where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet and where Indigenous Peoples gathered for thousands of years.The permanent art installations are part of a $500,000 Indigenous Placemaking project, funded by the Calgary Public Library Foundation. More spaces for Indigenous art in the new Central Library are expected to be announced in 2019.The ProcessIndigenous Placemaking at Calgary Public Library began in the fall of 2017. In early 2018, Library staff and members of the Indigenous Place Making Council of Canada visited the Stoney Nation, Siksika Nation, Tsuu’tina Nation, Métis Nation of Alberta, and Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary. Open meetings were held to receive input and guidance on the placemaking process.Input from those meetings led the Library to form an Artist Selection Committee. The Library heard how important it was for the process to be community-driven, collaborative, and representative of all Treaty 7 communities: TsuuT’ina Nation, the Blackfoot Nations (Piikani, Kainai, and Siksika), Stoney Nations (Chiniki, Wesley, and Bearspaw), and Métis Nation Region 3.On May 30, 2018, the Library posted a call for Indigenous artist/artist teams and for Indigenous candidates for the Artist Selection Committee. Eight committee members joined Library staff and Artist Consultant Tamara Cardinal. The Artist Selection Committee went on to select six Indigenous artists. The selected artists encompass a range of disciplines, backgrounds, and stages of career, and are all willing to work collaboratively with each other and the broader community.The artists have presented their concepts and received feedback from the Artist Selection Committee and the Elders’ Guidance Circle. This month, the artists will present their work to Indigenous communities. Work is now underway on designing and fabricating the pieces, with installation beginning this fall.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 660,000+ members and 20 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.6 million physical and digital items and with 6.8 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. the new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens November 1, 2018.-30-Media Contact:Kelsey MarklundSenior Account Executive, Earned MediaEdelman | edelman.caT 403.817.0633 | C 403.471.1284Kelsey.Marklund@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories"Find the support you need to succeed in school.
Read more about "School-Age Kids"Free Online Resources to Make Studying Easier Studying at home can be stressful, but these free online tools may help make it a little bit easier. From full theatre productions of Shakespeare plays to free online tutoring and practice tests, there’s a wide variety of quality digital resources to supplement your study sessions. We’ve highlighted a few major Alberta curriculum subject areas and some great digital resources to use along with them.French:Take the Learning French course from Kanopy's Great Courses collection, which includes a downloadable PDF workbook. Find photographs and articles about France in the National Geographic Virtual Library or read French magazines and newspapers on PressReader. L’encyclopedie Decouverte combines research with engaging activities to help beginners improve their French reading skills. Brush up on your French speaking and vocabulary with our free language learnings apps: Pronunciator, Transparent Language, and Rosetta Stone Library Solution. Science:Learn about famous scientists and research topics in applied sciences, biology, chemistry, earth science, energy, and astronomy with Science Reference Centre. Develop your scientific knowledge and skills with Learning Express, which has biology, chemistry, and earth science practice. Get Alberta curriculum-aligned online science tutoring with brainfuse HelpNow or access The Key practice tests and worksheets with SOLARO. Read teen science magazines like Brainspace for free on Flipster. Aboriginal Studies:Learn Indigenous languages such as Cree, Dakota, Oji-Cree, and Ojibwe from Transparent Language. Watch the documentary Indigenous Peoples of the Arctic from Kanopy's Great Courses collection and other international films about Indigenous topics, such as the classic Canadian film Nanook of the North. You can also watch films on Indigenous issues from the National Film Board of Canada on NFB Campus. Learn about Indigenous history, perspectives, cultures, and contemporary issues in the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada. Study the colonial experience with Frontier Life, where you can find documents, maps, artwork, and photographs about settlers and Indigenous peoples of North America and beyond. Read SAY, a lifestyle magazine written about and for indigenous people and youth, on Flipster with any device. Math:Learning Express can help you improve your math skills with practice in algebra, data analysis, calculus, geometry, and more. Get Alberta curriculum-aligned online math tutoring with brainfuse HelpNow or access The Key practice tests and worksheets with SOLARO. Canada/Social Studies:Research Canada’s history and culture with articles from the Maclean’s Magazine Archive. The Canadian Encyclopedia lets you search for a specific topic on Canada’s history and culture or browse more than 30,000 multimedia items, including images, maps, games, audio, and video. Discover Canada’s historical figures with the Dictionary of Canadian Biography. Search over 8,500 biographies of Canadians in history. With Early Canadiana Online you can search for information on major historical events, the development of institutions, genealogy, Canadian literature and politics, trades and tariffs, and more from the 16th to 20th century. Get Alberta curriculum-aligned online social studies tutoring with brainfuse HelpNow or access practice tests and worksheets with SOLARO. English Language Arts:Find full-text scholarly journals, literary magazines, biographies, criticisms, summaries, and more with Literature Resource Centre. Learning Express can help you improve reading comprehension, writing, spelling, and grammar with their high school resources. Watch theatre productions and critical analyses of Shakespeare plays and other literary masterpieces on Kanopy. LitFinder lets you explore full-text poems, short stories, novels, essays, speeches, plays, biographies, summaries, and more. Get Alberta curriculum-aligned online ELA tutoring with brainfuse HelpNow or access practice tests and worksheets with SOLARO. Music:Part of the school band? Supplement your musical skills with a variety of expert-led vocal and instrument lessons on ArtistWorks and LinkedIn Learning for Library. If you need some good studying tunes, enjoy currently unlimited, ad-free streaming on Freegal Music or relax with classical music from Naxos Music Library. General Research:Find articles, newspapers, and references books covering all subject areas with MasterFILE Premier. Academic Search Premier gives you access to full-text and peer-reviewed academic journals, magazines, trade publications, and newspapers on all major areas of research. Not yet a Library member? Sign up online for your free Library card to get access to the Digital Library and more of the Library’s online resources immediately.
Read more about "Stories School Resources for Teens"Fast Facts The City of Calgary has been planning for a new Central Library since 2004, when it first devoted funds to study future library needs. Throughout 2012, more than 16,000 Calgarians participated in an extensive public engagement program to provide input into the function of Central Library and the role of the Library within the community. The building’s architects are Snøhetta, an international firm, and Calgary’s DIALOG, while CMLC leads the construction. The 240,000 square foot building has five levels that will contain about 600,000 items. Construction began in 2014 with a real feat of engineering: encapsulating the LRT. It was the first time in Calgary’s history an active LRT line was encapsulated and used as a foundation for a building above. The final steel beam of Central Library’s skeletal structure serves a dual-purpose; it’s a time capsule of steel. In March 2017, nearly 700 library lovers of all ages inscribed the massive beam with messages of congratulations and inspiration for future generations. Central Library is a fully-funded $245 million project, paid for by the City ($175 million) and CMLC ($70 million). The Calgary Public Library Foundation’s Add-In Campaign allowed donors to enhance collections, programs, and services across the entire Library system.
Read more about "Fast Facts"Flowers for My Ancestors: A Métis Story Sarah Houle Seton Library (2021) In this ceramic printing on glass, the artist honours the story of her great-grandparents. Floral motifs take the place of their features to represent the Métis as “the flower beadwork people.” A slideshow of digital art and photographs outlines their story with an accompanying soundtrack by Sarah's band, Cîpayak ᒌᐸᕀ. This artwork reflects on the journey of her ancestors and parallels Houle’s own story of setting down roots in Calgary, Mohkinstsis, with its existing rich Métis history. Louis Houle was a young man and about the best violin player in town. He played at all the dances. That is where I used to see him. I never really met him. He said to someone, ‘There's the girl I'm going to marry.’ Louis was a trapper and Emilie the mother of eight children.” — Excerpt from an article written by Emilie Houle, in the Athabasca newspaper About the Artist Sarah Houle is a multidisciplinary Métis artist based in Calgary, Mohkinstsis. She is from the Paddle Prairie Métis Settlement in Northern Alberta. Her work is autobiographical with an interest in technology, fantasy, and craft. Cultural identity in the age of digital technology is important in her work, as elements of physical and digital space come together to conjure nostalgic imagery. Modern-day fantastical legends express the artist’s social commentary on identity from the perspective of Métis culture and heritage. Centering on family, Houle’s work showcases the resiliency present in everyday Indigenous life.
Read more about "Flowers for My Ancestors: A Métis Story"Alice Kaquitts Alice Kaquitts’ Îethka Nakoda name is Yumotata Mani , which translates closely to Grizzly Walker in the English language. She resides on the Stoney Indian Reserve in Morley and is a member of the Goodstoney First Nation. She is a mother, grandmother, knowledge keeper, and interpreter/translator of the Îethka Nakoda language. She currently holds a Social Work Diploma from Mount Royal University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work from the University of Calgary. Alice has worked in a management capacity in her own community for decades, in addition to providing services to children in care. Alice was involved in the Indian Residential School hearings as an interpreter. She also serves as an elder advisory for the National Gathering of Elders. Over the years, she has been invited by numerous elder advisory groups and organizations to share her knowledge and expertise on the Iethka Nakoda perspective. Presently, her work consists of consulting, advising, course development, participating on panels, presenting on traditional parenting, history, culture, and the Nakoda language. She also co-hosts a radio talk show every week with Thomas Snow called Conversational Nakoda on CJWE FM 88.1. Alice is also in the process of developing an Îethka Nakoda dictionary with several community members.
Read more about "Alice Kaquitts"MEDIA RELEASEFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASESeptember 6, 2018Calgary, AB — Calgary Public Library is thrilled to announce the artists who are creating Indigenous art installations for the new Central Library, opening November 1, 2018. The collaborative works by six Indigenous artists — all from, or with a connection to Treaty 7 territory — will define three spaces in the new Central Library.Keegan Starlight, Kalum Teke Dan, and Roland Rollinmud are collaborating on a colourful and vast wall mural in the new Central Library’s main entrance. Visitors will carry this impactful piece with them as they travel throughout the Library.On the feature stairs leading to the mezzanine level, there is a platform in the heart of the building that will feature a life-size buffalo sculpture made up of metal letters that spell various words in Indigenous languages, created by Lionel Peyachew.On Level 4, the Elders’ Guidance Circle will feature a stunning table and distinct furniture by Glenna Cardinal and a large photo and text-based piece by Brittney Bear Hat. The Elders’ Guidance Circle is a safe and comfortable space where anyone can meet with Elders, join in Indigenous programming, and more."Calgary Public Library knows that a public library is about more than just providing access to books; it’s about creating public gathering spaces where people can connect with one another and share ideas, knowledge, stories, and culture. Indigenous Placemaking at New Central Library will create a welcoming environment where Indigenous people can feel their culture reflected in an urban setting and where all Library visitors can learn about the original inhabitants of the land that we also call Calgary," says Shereen Samuels, Vice Chair of the Calgary Public Library Board."I’m pleased to be a part of this important initiative with the Calgary Public Library. For myself this project brings me a step closer to uncovering my family's heritage and understanding of our history through storytelling. I am creating a project that is about reminiscing and focusing on the care that reveals itself in the moments that are shared between family members," says Brittney Bear Hat.The project began nearly a year ago with insight from the Indigenous Place Making Council of Canada followed by community engagement meetings at Stoney Nation, Siksika Nation, Tsuu’tina Nation, Métis Nation of Alberta, and the Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary."What makes this process so unique is how community-driven it has been,” says Teneya Gwin, Indigenous Services Design Lead at the Library. “We’ve been so adaptive based on the feedback we’ve received."The new Central Library is located in the growing community of East Village, close to Fort Calgary, where the Bow and Elbow Rivers meet and where Indigenous Peoples gathered for thousands of years.The permanent art installations are part of a $500,000 Indigenous Placemaking project, funded by the Calgary Public Library Foundation. More spaces for Indigenous art in the new Central Library are expected to be announced in 2019.The ProcessIndigenous Placemaking at Calgary Public Library began in the fall of 2017. In early 2018, Library staff and members of the Indigenous Place Making Council of Canada visited the Stoney Nation, Siksika Nation, Tsuu’tina Nation, Métis Nation of Alberta, and Aboriginal Friendship Centre of Calgary. Open meetings were held to receive input and guidance on the placemaking process.Input from those meetings led the Library to form an Artist Selection Committee. The Library heard how important it was for the process to be community-driven, collaborative, and representative of all Treaty 7 communities: TsuuT’ina Nation, the Blackfoot Nations (Piikani, Kainai, and Siksika), Stoney Nations (Chiniki, Wesley, and Bearspaw), and Métis Nation Region 3.On May 30, 2018, the Library posted a call for Indigenous artist/artist teams and for Indigenous candidates for the Artist Selection Committee. Eight committee members joined Library staff and Artist Consultant Tamara Cardinal. The Artist Selection Committee went on to select six Indigenous artists. The selected artists encompass a range of disciplines, backgrounds, and stages of career, and are all willing to work collaboratively with each other and the broader community.The artists have presented their concepts and received feedback from the Artist Selection Committee and the Elders’ Guidance Circle. This month, the artists will present their work to Indigenous communities. Work is now underway on designing and fabricating the pieces, with installation beginning this fall.Calgary Public LibraryCalgary Public Library, with 660,000+ members and 20 locations, has been inspiring the life stories of Calgarians for more than 100 years. It is currently the second largest library system in Canada and the sixth largest municipal library system in North America, with Calgarians borrowing more than 14.6 million physical and digital items and with 6.8 million in-person visits last year. The awe-inspiring 240,000 sq. ft. the new Central Library — the newest gathering place for our city — opens November 1, 2018.-30-Media Contact:Kelsey MarklundSenior Account Executive, Earned MediaEdelman | edelman.caT 403.817.0633 | C 403.471.1284Kelsey.Marklund@edelman.com
Read more about "Stories"Browse the complete Herald archive from 1883 to 2010.
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