Indigenous Languages : Collection Development and Outreach

1. Indigenous Languages : Collection Development and Outreach Sara McDowell John P. Robarts Research Library, University of Toronto Sarah Dupont, Kim Lawson, Jessie Loyer, and Sara McDowell, “Voices From Our Past, Present and Future: Libraries and Aboriginal Languages,” Canadian Library Association National Conference and Trade Show, May 28-May 31, 2014, Victoria, BC.

2. Self-introduction • I am a non-Native reference and collection development librarian at Robarts Library, a Humanities and Social Sciences research library. • As a member of a society which has intentionally attempted to suppress Indigenous languages and cultures, I believe that it is my responsibility to respectfully support the Indigenous language revitalization work that is currently flourishing in this country, under the direction of Indigenous communities. • Everyone has a right to their traditional language.

3. Aboriginal Studies Programme,University of Toronto • Located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the New Credit First Nation (Anishinaabeg) and the Haudenosaunee • Indigenous Languages taught at the University of Toronto • Anishinaabemowin • Oneida • Inuktitut • Sometimes Cree

4. The Indigenous Language Initiative Vision: To contribute to the overall development of a sustainable and vibrant Indigenous language community at the University of Toronto and the broader community through the creation of projects and resources that promote language use in everyday life. http://aboriginalstudies.utoronto.ca/centre-for-aboriginal-initiatives/language/ Photo Credit: Sara McDowell

5. Indigenous Language Collections • Types of Publishers: • Mainstream Presses • Indigenous Presses • Examples: Theytus Books, Kegedonce Press, Inhabit Media, Pemmican Publications • Indigenous Cultural Organizations • Examples: Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, Oneida Language and Cultural Centre • Academic Presses • Self-Publishing • List of Publishers: http://guides.library.utoronto.ca/AboriginalPublishers

6. What belongs in your collection? • Take direction from the community • Respond to local needs • Relationship building and consultation are key • Include library staff in the relationship building process • Hire Indigenous librarians and support staff • What languages are spoken in your community, or by your library patrons? • Be aware of what dialects are needed • How comprehensive ? • What kinds of materials?

7. Learning an Indigenous Language • If you don’t already speak the Indigenous language or languages of your local community, you may want to participate in learning an Indigenous language. Language learning is a way of demonstrating respect for the language and the people engaged in revitalization work. It is a way of building relationships. It is a way of learning about the language learning experience, and how your library can support it appropriately and with sensitivity. It is an invaluable way of deepening your understanding of the culture.

8. Learning an Indigenous Language 2 • When you are engaged in language learning, it is important to be respectful of the experience of fellow learners . Indigenous learners in language classes care deeply about their languages. They often bring authentic knowledge of their language from home. They may carry inter-generational trauma because of the brutal suppression of Indigenous languages in residential schools. It is important to approach Indigenous language learning with respect and humility.

9. Outreach: Research Guides • Anishinaabemodaa • Research guides are a way of facilitating access to Indigenous language resources, of providing helpful bibliographies to fellow librarians, and of raising the awareness aboutIndigenous languages.

10. Research Guides: Aboriginal Languages

11. Outreach: Displays and Signage • Libraries can participate in making Indigenous languages part of every day life through collaborating with community members on the development of displays, and signage.

12. Outreach: Events and Speakers • Libraries can collaborate with community members to invite speakers and organize events that support language learning and research, and develop community.

13. Miikwec Thank you • Contact: • Sara McDowell s.mcdowell@utoronto.ca