|
Monique Désormeaux,
Deputy Chief Executive Officer provided an overview of the library’s approach
to Indigenous services at the OPL. (Held on file with the Chief Executive
Officer).
Ms. Désormeaux presented
the structure of Ottawa’s Indigenous community, and highlighted the work
occurring across various sectors, work occurring at the OPL with linkages to
the City, and work occurring at the national level. Ms. Désormeaux also
reviewed proposed next steps. Philip Robert, Manager, Public Services, Urban
East, and lead on Indigenous Services at OPL, was available to respond to
questions. (Promotional material was circulated)
In response to a query
from Trustee Fisher on the Federation of Ontario Public Libraries (FOPL)
asking libraries to agree to sponsor First Nation Libraries for membership
and whether OPL is doing so, Ms. Désormeaux indicated that OPL is supporting a
northern library through the sponsorship of their FOPL library dues. Catherine
Seaman, Division Manager, Branch Operations is the OPL contact.
Trustee Sweet asked
whether OPL has indigenous employees. Ms. Désormeaux indicated that OPL does
have a small percentage of indigenous employees, however, she indicated that
it requires self-identification and so there could be more than the
percentage indicated.
Trustee Sweet asked if
OPL consults with the Algonquin communities. Ms. Désormeaux said OPL did not
directly consult with those communities, however, consultations were held via
the City of Ottawa through the Aboriginal Working Group who have the contacts
and provide services.
Trustee Sweet suggested
that the working group take the opportunity to reach out to Aboriginals who
have a strong presence in the City of Ottawa to discuss further, as Ottawa
sits on unceded Algonquin land. Ms. Désormeaux thanked Trustee Sweet for the
suggestion.
Trustee Fisher inquired
on how many Indigenous customers there are at OPL, whether there is an
advisory committee such as the Teen Advisory Group for youth, and whether
there is insight on programming that the community enjoys. Mr. Robert
advised that there is no advisory committee at OPL as it flows through the City
of Ottawa’s Aboriginal Working Group. He said most of the work involves
programming with writers and authors through the Indigenous Book Club,
Cultural programming, and offering of special workshops.
As to whether OPL is a
leader in programming for the Indigenous community. Ms Désormeaux pointed
out that it is uncertain whether OPL is a leader. However, OPL is definitely
an early adopter with respect to its role with Canadian Federation of Library
Associations. OPL has learned that it is important to meet with the Indigenous
community, and work with authors that reflect that culture. OPL is always
looking to improve.
In response to a question
from Trustee Higdon as to what level of excitement and enthusiasm has been generated
from the community, Ms. Désormeaux said in the early days the relationship
was slow going, however, with Mr. Robert’s leadership, more has happened.
Mr. Robert reported that there is excitement from this community as more
events have been introduced such as Family festivals, children’s programming,
etc. He said OPL has made good contacts via the City’s Aboriginal Day where
OPL has reconnected with some local groups.
As to the particular
material, content, and format the Indigenous community prefers, Ms.
Désormeaux advised that purchasing materials to reflect the culture’s views
is important, as is the need to ensure materials are created, written, or
guided by Indigenous people. Trustee Higdon said the Ontario Library
Association has seen an increase in materials over the last five years.
|