Caledon, ON – Caledon Public Library (CPL) is excited to announce they have received a grant from the Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation for the development of an Indigenous Speaker Series.
The series will spotlight indigenous speakers, lecturers, artisans, elders, knowledge holders and authors to showcase the depth and importance of indigenous culture.
As a response to the CFLA’s (Canadian Federation of Library Association) calls to action for public libraries, CPL has developed this series as a means of advancing and implementing meaningful discussion within the community as we all work towards Reconciliation. “Our 2021-2024 Strategic Plan goal of “celebrating culture and inclusion” directs CPL to develop and grow our programs to reflect Caledon’s diversity, increase opportunities for cultural activities, and grow our partnerships with cultural organizations according to CEO and Chief Librarian Colleen Lipp. “CPL firmly believes this series will support the Caledon community’s need and desire for artistic, cultural, and education events and programs”.
“The Brampton and Caledon Community Foundation is so very pleased to support the Caledon Public Library’s Indigenous Speakers Series through a Foundation-grant this year” said Jim Boyd, President, and CEO. “The story of Caledon’s indigenous people should be told…we wish the Caledon Public Library and their guest-speakers much success in bringing these stories to life for us to understand, respect and appreciate.”
The first event in the series “History of Indigenous Peoples in Peel with Darin Wybenga” will be held on June 14th at 7 pm. The community is invited to join Darin as he speaks about the history of Indigenous Peoples in Canada, specifically in the Peel Region, as well as the importance of land acknowledgements. Darin Wybenga is a member of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation where he works as the community’s Traditional Knowledge and Land Use Coordinator. This event will take place on Zoom, but space will also be available in our Southfields Village branch to come and watch with other attendees on the big screen.
CPL is proud to provide our community with opportunities for learning and discovery, as members of the Indigenous community share their knowledge, experiences and culture with us. Some of the other events under consideration include: Learning about Indigenous Treaties; Dreamcatcher Making and Teaching; Beading workshop; Grandmother’s Voices; and an Indigenous language workshop. Over the coming months CPL will be sharing all the details on our website and social media platforms.
