Indigenous Languages :
Collection Development and Outreach
Sara McDowell
John P. Robarts Research
Library, University of Toronto
Sarah Dupont, Kim Lawson,
Jessie Loyer, and Sara
McDowell, “Voices From Our
Past, Present and Future:
Libraries and Aboriginal
Languages,” Canadian Library
Association National Conference
and Trade Show, May 28-May 31,
2014,Victoria, BC.
Self-introduction



I am a non-Native reference and collection development
librarian at Robarts Library, a Humanities and Social
Sciences research library.
As a member of a society which has intentionally
attempted to suppress Indigenous languages and cultures,
I believe that it is my responsibility to respectfully support
the Indigenous language revitalization work that is
currently flourishing in this country, under the direction
of Indigenous communities.
Everyone has a right to their traditional language.
Aboriginal Studies Programme,
University of Toronto

Located on the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of
the New Credit First Nation (Anishinaabeg) and the
Haudenosaunee

Indigenous Languages taught at the University of Toronto




Anishinaabemowin
Oneida
Inuktitut
Sometimes Cree
The Indigenous Language Initiative
Vision:
To contribute to the overall
development of a sustainable
and vibrant Indigenous
language community at the
University of Toronto and the
broader community through
the creation of projects and
resources that promote
language use in everyday life.
http://aboriginalstudies.utoronto.ca/ce
ntre-for-aboriginal-initiatives/language/
Photo Credit: Sara McDowell
Indigenous Language Collections

Types of Publishers:


Mainstream Presses
Indigenous Presses


Indigenous Cultural Organizations




Examples: Theytus Books, Kegedonce Press, Inhabit Media, Pemmican
Publications
Examples: Ojibwe Cultural Foundation, Oneida Language and Cultural
Centre
Academic Presses
Self-Publishing
List of Publishers:
http://guides.library.utoronto.ca/AboriginalPublishers
What belongs in your collection?





Take direction from the
community
Respond to local needs
Relationship building and
consultation are key
Include library staff in the
relationship building
process
Hire Indigenous librarians
and support staff




What languages are
spoken in your community,
or by your library
patrons?
Be aware of what dialects
are needed
How comprehensive ?
What kinds of materials?
Learning an Indigenous Language

If you don’t already speak the Indigenous language or
languages of your local community, you may want to
participate in learning an Indigenous language. Language
learning is a way of demonstrating respect for the
language and the people engaged in revitalization work. It
is a way of building relationships. It is a way of learning
about the language learning experience, and how your
library can support it appropriately and with sensitivity. It
is an invaluable way of deepening your understanding of
the culture.
Learning an Indigenous Language 2

When you are engaged in language learning, it is
important to be respectful of the experience of fellow
learners . Indigenous learners in language classes care
deeply about their languages. They often bring authentic
knowledge of their language from home. They may carry
inter-generational trauma because of the brutal
suppression of Indigenous languages in residential schools.
It is important to approach Indigenous language learning
with respect and humility.
Outreach: Research Guides


Anishinaabemodaa
Research guides are a way
of facilitating access to
Indigenous language
resources, of providing
helpful bibliographies to
fellow librarians, and of
raising the awareness
about Indigenous
languages.
Research Guides: Aboriginal Languages
Outreach: Displays and Signage

Libraries can participate in
making Indigenous
languages part of every
day life through
collaborating with
community members on
the development of
displays, and signage.
Outreach: Events and Speakers

Libraries can collaborate
with community members
to invite speakers and
organize events that
support language learning
and research, and develop
community.
Miikwec Thank you


Contact:
Sara McDowell s.mcdowell@utoronto.ca