Relationship Building & Reconciliation Action Plan

Background

In 2008, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) was created as part of the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, with a mandate to educate Canadians on the deplorable conditions of the residential school system; to document experiences of the survivors and their families and; to guide and inspire a process of reconciliation and renewed relationships based on mutual understanding and respect. In 2015, the Commission released its final report and 94 “Calls to Action” for advancing reconciliation.

In February 2017, the Canadian Federation of Library Association (CFLA) and the inaugural Truth and Reconciliation Committee published the Truth and Reconciliation Report and Recommendations - a comprehensive report with a mandate to promote initiatives in all types of libraries to advance reconciliation by supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action and to promote collaboration in these issues across the Canadian Library communities.

In September 2017, the Thunder Bay Public Library (TBPL) Board accepted and endorsed the TBPL Relationship Building and Reconciliation action plan based on the results of the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions (TRC) 94 Calls to Action, the Canadian Federation of Library Association (CFLA) Truth and Reconciliation Report and Recommendations and the Seven Youth Inquest.

It has been through the work of the Indigenous Liaison, guided by the TBPL Indigenous Advisory Council, and supported by the TBPL Board, Management and staff that this action plan has been produced.

TBPL Strategy (2018-2019):

Previous versions of this report suggested the following areas of focus:

1. Renew/build relationships with the Indigenous community
2. Provide valuable and educational resources that are relevant and applicable to the Indigenous and non-Indigenous community in Thunder Bay
3. Support Indigenous knowledge revitalization and protection/preservation via Indigenous Knowledge Centre(s)
4. Decolonization of Library policies, practices, spaces and collection

In preparation for the 2019 to 2023 strategic plan, a series of Community Conversations were held with various Indigenous organizations, groups, and individuals around the city. This new approach allowed TBPL to better understand the aspirations, goals and concerns people have for our community of Thunder Bay.

Prior to the community conversations, efforts were made to actively engage with local Indigenous communities to gather input, feedback and suggestions through the TBPL Indigenous Advisory Council formed in 2016.

The upcoming strategic plan will continue the work of the Indigenous Liaison, and the Indigenous Advisory Council to help guide and support the decolonization and reconciliation process.

Structure (2019-2023)

The development of the Indigenous Knowledge Centres will protect, preserve and support Indigenous knowledge, language, and culture. The Indigenous Knowledge Centres collection will offer authentic resources that are accessible to everyone.

TBPL will continue to evaluate the collection items included in the Indigenous Knowledge Centres, seek best practices for delivering Indigenous specific Library programs as they relate to Indigenous cultural teachings, practices, customs, and protocols etc. and seek further guidance from the Indigenous Advisory Council when needed.

It is important to understand that the reconciliation process is a lengthy one that takes real, meaningful, and genuine efforts. It is the responsibility of all Canadians to ensure that initiatives that work towards reconciliation continue.

Systems (2018-2023)

All current systems and TBPL Policies are under review to ensure inclusivity with the assistance of IAC.

Culture (2018-2023)

Every public library is as unique as the community it serves. As a public library / community hub operating in a community with a growing Indigenous population, we will continue to strive to reflect the culturally diverse community in which we serve.

Medicine Wheel Framework

The Relationship Building and Reconciliation action plan is organized using the Medicine Wheel Framework adopted from the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA-FCAB) Truth & Reconciliation Committee Report & Recommendations.

Recommendations from the Truth and Reconciliation Commissions Calls to Action and the Seven Youth Inquest are followed by specific action items that the Library is committed to implementing. We are currently reviewing the findings of the Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women Inquiry and the Office of the Independent Police Review Director’s Broken Trust Report. Relevant recommendations that come out of the inquiry will be included and incorporated into the action plan.