Children

Through all of time (sweep arm in arc from left to right) Indigenous nations have lived here in relationship with living things (make a heart with hands).

On and in the earth (touch floor), and the waters (make wave motions), and the sky (make bird with hands).

The Algonquin (hold up one finger), the Anishinaabe (hold up two fingers), the Haudenosaunee (hold up one finger on the other hand) and the Huron-Wendat (hold up another finger on the second hand) – four Peoples shared this land through time (bring the four fingers together).

With gratitude, we join them in caring for the Earth (turn hands over to cup palms), sharing stories and creating a welcoming place (put hands over heart).

Since the beginning of time, there have been hundreds of Indigenous nations on this continent. They have lived in relationship with all things within the lands, waters, and sky—making sure that there is enough for all and respecting the earth as the Mother that sustains us.

With the arrival of settlers, Indigenous ways of knowing were pushed aside. Indigenous children were forcibly taken from their families. Generations lost their identities, their languages, and their connection to the land.

Indigenous peoples are still tellers of stories and holders of teachings and ways of being, knowing and understanding the world. Their languages are still spoken and are being reclaimed and revitalized.

We are adding more books that share Indigenous languages, stories, teachings, and practices to our Library, so the Indigenous community sees themselves and their ways of being reflected here.

We live on the traditional territories of the Algonquin, the Anishinaabe, Haudenosaunee and Huron-Wendat. Our region is also home to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples from across the continent.

We must continue to deepen our relationships with them.

With gratitude, we join them in caring for the Earth, sharing stories and knowledge, and creating a welcoming place for everyone.