Indigenous History Month programming at City Library
Published: May 29, 2024
Categories: Indigenous | Programs
On display
Books by Indigenous authors and books with Indigenous voices for all ages are available on display in the children’s, teens', fiction and nonfiction sections.
- Third floor / Nonfiction — Indigenous art & literature
- Second floor / Adult & teen fiction — Indigenous authors, voices & stories
- First floor / Children’s — Picture books & easy readers featuring Indigenous stories
Programs
Film screening: “Wilfred Buck”
Friday, June 21, 2:30 – 4:15 p.m. | Third floor program room
Lisa Jackson’s portrait of Cree Elder Wilfred Buck moves between earth and sky, past and present, bringing to life ancient teachings of Indigenous astronomy and cosmology to tell a story that spans generations.
Adapted from Buck’s rollicking memoir, “I Have Lived Four Lives,” the film weaves together stories from his life, including his harrowing young years of displacement and addiction. Seamlessly fusing present-day scenes with cinematic re-enactments and archival footage, this intimate yet expansive documentary takes us on an inspiring journey to the space beyond, and to the spaces between us all.
Seniors’ gathering film screening: “Inconvenient Indian”
Tuesday, June 25, 10 – 11:30 a.m. | Second floor teen room
In this time of radical change and essential re-examination, “Inconvenient Indian” brings to life Thomas King’s brilliant dismantling of North America’s colonial narrative, reframing this history with the powerful voices of those continuing the tradition of Indigenous resistance.
Adult book club: “The Power of Story”
Wednesday, June 26, 7 – 8:30 p.m. | Third floor program room or online via Zoom
[From the publisher] Approached by an ecumenical society representing many faiths, from Judeo-Christians to fellow members of First Nations, Harold R. Johnson agreed to host a group who wanted to hear him speak about the power of storytelling. This book is the outcome of that gathering. In “The Power of Story,” Johnson explains the role of storytelling in every aspect of human life, from personal identity to history and the social contracts that structure our societies, and illustrates how we can direct its potential to re-create and reform not only our own lives, but the life we share. Companionable, clear-eyed, and, above all, optimistic, Johnson’s message is both a dire warning and a direct invitation to each of us to imagine and create, together, the world we want to live in.
Storytimes
From June 17 to June 21, regular storytimes at City Library will honour Indigenous storytellers.
- Baby storytime (two sessions) — Fridays at 10:15 and 11 a.m.
- Toddler storytime — Wednesdays at 10 a.m.
Further resources
See our Indigenous Peoples' community hub page for learning resources, booklists, and more.