Reconciliation at GVPL
Reconciliation is ongoing work. At GVPL, we are at the beginning of a long journey. We are taking steps to change how we work. That includes how we serve our community. We uplift the brilliant literary contributions of Indigenous voices. But beyond that, we are building relationships with the local Indigenous community, including the lək̓ʷəŋən (Lekwungen) peoples, and Indigenous organizations such as the Bruce Parisian Library.
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Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action
In 2015, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) released 94 Calls to Action to address the harms caused by colonization and the residential school system. These calls urge all Canadians to learn this history and understand its lasting impacts on Indigenous peoples today.
Several calls highlight how libraries and other public institutions have perpetuated these harms. Addressing these calls is how GVPL advances reconciliation.
At GVPL, we are committed to this work. We strive to build respectful relationships with local First Nations and Indigenous communities. We support the Indigenous right to self-determination over land, culture, and knowledge.
Territorial acknowledgment
We acknowledge
Greater Victoria Public Library’s service area is located on the unceded traditional territories of the Songhees and Xʷsepsəm (Esquimalt) Nations, the W̱SÁNEĆ Nations of SȾÁUTW̱ (Tsawout) and W̱JOȽEȽP (Tsartlip), and the SC’IȺNEW (Beecher Bay) Nation.
Colonization and systemic racism still impact the lives of Indigenous Peoples today. Their deep relationships with the land and sea remain, as they have since time immemorial.
We also recognize that libraries have not always been inclusive spaces. Like many institutions, we have reflected systems that have historically excluded Indigenous knowledge and voices. We commit to acknowledging these harms and working toward a more equitable future.
Reconciliation in action at GVPL
Reconciliation at GVPL means taking action through changes to how we work, what we offer, and how we engage with the community.
We have taken steps to:
- Broaden our collections to include more Indigenous authors, stories, and perspectives
- Partner with local First Nations and Indigenous organizations
- Deliver programs and events led by and for Indigenous communities
- Begin decolonizing how information is organized and presented in the library
Our reconciliation work is guided by national frameworks, including the:
- 94 Calls to Action by the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada
- Truth and Reconciliation Report by the Canadian Federation of Library Associations (CFLA)
- Reclaiming Power and Place: The Final Report of the National Inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls
Uplift Indigenous stories and voices
We continue to grow our collections with Indigenous authors, stories, and perspectives. This work is part of our Collection Policy and long-term planning.
Across our collection
We continue to include Indigenous stories across our catalogue, not just in one section. You’ll find them across genres like mystery, science fiction, and children’s books.
These actions are rooted in
- TRC Call to Action #62: increase access to Indigenous stories and perspectives
- CFLA recommendation: amplify more Indigenous knowledge and voices
Indigenous Reads
Our Indigenous Reads collection highlights Indigenous creators across all branches. We feature books prominently so more people can find and read them.
Authors like Bob Joseph (21 Things You May Not Know About the Indian Act), Richard Wagamese (Medicine Walk), and Monique Gray Smith (Sharing the light: stories and reflections) have shared their work at GVPL, with our team’s support. This program helps bring forward a range of stories, including those that reflect strength, resilience, and joy.
Welcoming and inclusive programs and spaces
Building good relationships starts with the stewards of the land we work on. We are working to co-create programs with Indigenous communities.
Bruce Parisian Library
The Bruce Parisian Library is located in the Victoria Native Friendship Centre. By supporting one another, we aim to strengthen our connections to Indigenous communities.
Programs and events
- Storytimes and afterschool programs for kids in partnership with the Tsawout, Songhees, and Esquimalt Nations
- Indigenous author events are hosted at both GVPL and the Bruce Parisian Library
- Film screenings
- TRC Speaker Series to amplify Indigenous voices
- TRC exhibits, including a Sixties Scoop Pop-Up Exhibit by SISSA
- Back-to-school community picnic at Government House
- Other community events
Book return partnership
The Bruce Parisian Library and the Greater Victoria Public Library have partnered to provide easier access to shared resources. You can now return any Bruce Parisian Library book to any GVPL branch. This initiative aims to make important collections easier to access. The Bruce Parisian Library is located at 231 Regina Avenue in Victoria.
Indigenous Stories Book Club
A book club program dedicated to reading and discussing works by Indigenous authors living in Canada. Participants explore Indigenous histories, cultures, and ways of being through these writings. The sessions are hosted by Carmen Rodriguez de France, Associate Professor of Indigenous Education at the University of Victoria.
The Literacy Circle
The Literacy Circle offers a safe and supportive space for Indigenous adults to build English literacy skills through storytelling. Hosted at our Saanich Centennial Branch.
More about The Literacy Circle
These actions are rooted in:
- CFLA recommendation: co-create programming with Indigenous communities, and ensure library spaces are welcoming, inclusive, and culturally relevant
Language and place
Indigenous place names for library branches
Naming is a part of reconciliation. We are committed to working with local Nations to reflect Indigenous language and knowledge in our spaces. This includes Indigenous place names for branches, such as sxʷeŋ’xʷəŋ taŋ’exw James Bay.
In November 2017, the City of Victoria received significant support from the community to name the new branch an Indigenous name and to consult on a suitable name. In consultation with the two local Nations and the Greater Victoria Public Library Board, the name sxʷeŋ’xʷəŋ taŋ’exw James Bay Branch was selected. In 2018, Victoria City Council selected the name for the new library branch.
The City of Victoria also named a meeting room at the sxʷeŋ’xʷəŋ taŋ’exw James Bay Branch after Songhees Elder Dr. Elmer Seniemten George M.S.M. as a way to honour his work to protect the lək̓ʷəŋən Lekwungen language.
The Esquimalt branch features signage in both lək̓ʷáŋən and English. Developed in collaboration with xʷsépsəm Nation and Songhees language speakers and Elders, the sign includes šx̣ʷiméɬəɬ tə́ŋəxʷ, which translates to “Esquimalt land.” The signage reflects the ongoing presence, language, and cultural continuity of Indigenous communities in this place.
These actions are rooted in:
- CFLA recommendation #6: libraries should reflect Indigenous cultures and knowledge through space design, naming, and signage
Reimagining how we organize books and knowledge
GVPL maintains library classification systems that better reflect Indigenous perspectives. Moving away from traditional ways of organizing books and knowledge reduces colonial bias. This helps people find materials in ways that are respectful and relevant.
These actions are rooted in:
- CFLA recommendation #5: change how knowledge is organized and accessed in libraries
Building cultural safety and competency in staff
GVPL staff have participated in cultural training. We commit to including more training on cultural safety and competency into our learning and development.
These actions are rooted in:
- TRC Call to Action #57: education and training for public servants on Indigenous history, rights, and anti-racism
Developing a Reconciliation Action Plan
Since 2023, GVPL has been developing a Reconciliation Action Plan. We are doing so in collaboration with First Nations, Indigenous organizations, Indigenous authors and publishers, and like-minded businesses and institutions.
This plan will guide how we approach every aspect of running a library, from collections to organizational change. It will help ensure this work is meaningful, accountable, and grounded in community.
While this plan is still in development, we have already begun taking steps such as those above. We are also embedding this work into our long-term planning:
Feedback and questions
Reconciliation is a journey. We continually strive to improve how we’re doing, and are open to your feedback and comments.