First Nations Public Library Week

Since 2000, First Nation public libraries have used one week of the year to raise awareness of their resources, services, programs and activities. First Nations Public Library Week is celebrated the first week of October to coincide with Canadian Library Month. Mississippi Mills Public Library has an Indigenous-authored and/or illustrated collection of approx. 160 titles for all ages. This collection is tagged in the catalogue – browse and reserve from this link: https://tinyurl.com/2mknn2h9 or visit your branch.

First Nations Public Library Week is not only an opportunity to promote public library services but also to celebrate cultural uniqueness.

Bekaa, Bzindaachagan | Wait and Listen

Anishinabemowin, the original language of the Ojibwe people, is an active language that integrates concepts of the natural world and spirituality. Bekaa is a command that is told to people who are being impatient or brash. The act of waiting and listening to what someone has to say is a form of respect and offers listeners the opportunity to learn new perspectives. Bekaa, Bzindaachagan | Wait and Listen is a reminder for us to enrich our lives by listening to others imparting knowledge, perspectives, and history.

The Ottawa valley is homeland to the Omamiwinini – Algonquin people who have inhabited this land for 10,000 years. In our area – Lanark County – there are no reserves. In the south-western corner is the Shabot Lake band.  This band also has an office in the White Lake area. To the north of us in Renfrew County, is the Pikwakanagan reserve. The government, as part of the Land Claim Agreement, is offering Algonquin people first right of refusal on purchase of Crown Land at White Lake and the buildings that belong to a third party with conditions. There are also a significant number of people with Indigenous heritage living in Lanark County; some who are doing well and some who are not… – read more at this page at mmallmyrelations.ca