Medicine Hat Public Library launches $5,000 initiative for Indigenous collections and programming

The $5,000 can support a range of ideas, including books and other collection materials, artwork, public programming, traditional teachings, craft programs, staff education and an Elder-in-residence.

Kainai Nation Elder Charlie Fox says access to Indigenous knowledge can help people develop a greater understanding of Indigenous culture and life experiences.

“I think we know that the more we’re able to acquire knowledge, whether it be through the books or from the schools, and the colleges, and elders that teach about life, and life lessons,” Fox said.

“These things all come to play; they’re there to help people have a greater understanding.”

Feser says the library is intentionally keeping the application process simple and is open to ideas beyond those already identified.

“We really want this to be very anti-bureaucratic and very straightforward and simple,” Feser said.

The library says proposals must come from an Indigenous person or someone connected to the Indigenous community and must connect to Indigenous cultures.

Feser says the Indigenous community ultimately decides what projects should be considered Indigenous.

“We’re open to anything, even something that we don’t anticipate,” Feser said.

“It’s not our place to say what is Indigenous. That’s really for the Indigenous community to decide.”

The library’s goal is to create more opportunities for Indigenous people to contribute to the library while making Indigenous culture and knowledge more accessible to the broader community.

Feser said the initiative is also part of the library’s responsibility to participate in reconciliation.

“We think it’s going to be good for everyone, entertaining, informative, you know, community building,” Feser said.

The announcement coincided with the return of teepees to the grass outside the library, which Feser says was a particularly meaningful part of the day.

Feser said seeing the teepees erected on the property made the connection to the area’s history feel more tangible.

“It just speaks to how that’s a process, and you got to start not knowing exactly how to do things or where it’s going to go,” Feser said.

“But we get there together. It’s a journey.”

Proposals will be accepted until the $5,000 in funding has been allocated.

Applications are available through the Medicine Hat Public Library’s website or in person at the library.

by Jett Schwaier

Medicine Hat Public Library launches $5,000 initiative for Indigenous collections and programming

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