Welcome to Indigenous Initiatives at York University Libraries. Libraries are a space to create, share, and absorb information. Here at York University Libraries Cora Coady, the Indigenous Teaching and Learning Librarian, and the Indigenous Action Working Group strive to carry out work with three main goals:
- Support Indigenous students and researchers
- Forefront Indigenous Knowledges
- Provide opportunities for professional development
Space
Miinkaanensing: Indigenous Reading Room provides Indigenous students with a quiet place to engage in their studies and easy access to a curated collection of Indigenous resources. In place-making with Indigenous students, we are decolonizing one small section of the library and responding directly to student needs. The name Miinkaanensing means “at the seed” in Anishinaabemowin and was gifted to the room by Ninaatig Philip Staats Pangowish and is meant to represent the grown and potential that is present in both students and their studies as well as the libraries and Indigenous community members.
Guidelines for use of the Indigenous Students Reading Room
- Seven Grandfather Teachings Code of Conduct
- Honesty: Be responsible and honourable in your decision to use this space.
- Respect: Respect the intention of the space, your peers, and the resources.
- Wisdom: Use your experience and knowledge to help yourself and others grow.
- Truth: Speak the truth in written and spoken word.
- Bravery: Act with integrity. Speak up if you see others disrespecting the space or your peers.
- Humility: Know yourself as a part of the York community. Use the space in cooperation with your peers.
- Love: Your ability to love others will guide you to fulfill your responsibilities.
The Indigenous Students Reading Room 202E can be booked by Indigenous students and entered with keycard access for those who are registered members of the Centre for Indigenous Student Services. Please use this link to book the space: LibCal page.
Research Guides
We have developed research guides that will guide students through the research process and provide them with a curated list of resources for completing their work.
Featured collections
We have created featured collections to highlight themes in Indigenous literature and culturally significant topics. These collections also coincide with physical book displays. Our book displays enhance the discoverability of Indigenous scholars and knowledges.
Cataloguing
The way knowledge is organized in libraries and library resources (catalogues, databases, dictionaries and thesauri) is a product of colonialism. Over the last few decades, policy-setting institutions like Library and Archives Canada and the Library of Congress in the United States have examined problematic and/or harmful subject headings. The links below explore solutions and progress on this essential part of library organization.
Land Acknowledgement
First Nations peoples have lived on this part of Turtle Island for millennia, stewarding the land, the water and all that contributes to life in this region. Today, the culture and presence of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples enrich the lands and people of this territory where York University is located.
Visit the official webpage to learn more about the cross campus Land Acknowledgment statements.