Indigenization
Acknowledging the historic colonialism inherent in library information structures and research practices, the Library is committed to the continual learning and work required to Indigenize the Library’s systems, spaces, and services for the benefit of all who use MRU Library.
In the Riddell Library and Learning Centre
The work happening across campus and fostered by the Library to Indigenize and decolonize is guided by Indigenous Mount Royal and by the commitments in MRU’s 2023-2030 Academic Plan, MRU’s Vision 2030: Opening Minds and Changing Lives Strategic Plan, Truth & Reconciliation Commission of Canada’s Calls to Action, and the Library’s Strategic Directions. This page highlights some of the current work being doing in this area.
Initiatives
Indigenizing and decolonizing library spaces
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Smudging in the Riddell Library & Learning Centre: Patrons who use smudging as cultural practice are welcome to do so when using the following rooms: EL1270 (Ideas Lounge); EL2462 & 2463 (Academic Development Centre); EL1451A & B (Student Learning Services); EL1470A & B (Library Computer Labs); EL3249, 3441, 3455, 3460 (Education classrooms and ‘The Bubble’); EL 4201 (Library Formal Boardroom).
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Promoting Awareness and Accountability: The library shares educational resources and hosts activities related to various events and initiatives including Orange Shirt Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, and MRU’s Journey to Indigenization (2024).
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Blackfoot in the Library: The Riddell Library and Learning Centre includes Blackfoot signage throughout the space, as a signal to Blackfoot students, Indigenous peoples, and all patrons that the Library is a space where Indigenous Knowledges are valued and where all are welcome.
We extend deep thanks to Mary Weaselfat and Leo Fox for their assistance with these translations. Click to listen to Elder Leo Fox pronounce some of the Blackfoot translations for our spaces.
Recognizing that MRU is situated in an ancient and storied place within the hereditary lands of the Niitsitapi (Blackfoot), Îyârhe Nakoda, Tsuut’ina and Métis Nations, Blackfoot was selected for signage through consultation with community and Elders. The richness and diversity of Indigenous culture is vast and will continue to be prioritized in the Library’s work.
Learn more from Elder Leo Fox about Indigenous languages:
Indigenizing and decolonizing the Library's collection and resources
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Collection Building: Library faculty are continually reviewing and developing the Library’s collection to ensure the campus has access to relevant and impactful resources to support the work of Indigenization and decolonization.
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Metadata and subject heading review: The library is committed to describing Indigenous material accurately and respectfully. This includes removing harmful historic subject headings, adding more respectful and reflective terms, adjusting content notes, including names of contributors, and introducing new subject headings and names from Indigenous authorities.
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Indigenous Knowledges and intersections with copyright: The library provides guidance and support for using Indigenous Knowledges respectfully.
Amplifying Indigenous Perspectives
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Indigenous Studies Subject Guide: A starting point for instruction and research related to Indigenous Studies courses at MRU with links to useful resources informed by Indigenous Ways of Knowing.
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Guidance for proper citation of Indigenous Elders and Knowledge Keepers: The library collaborated with Student Learning Services, MRFA's Indigenous Faculty Council, and Roy Bear Chief, espoom tah (helper) with the Faculty of Health, Community and Education to implement citation guidelines that provide proper reverence and credit to this important knowledge.
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Featured Displays and Collections: The Library frequently reviews and updates collections and displays with the goal of improving findability and awareness of resources that promote Indigenous voices at MRU.
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Commitment to growth: The library is an Institutional member of the National Indigenous Knowledge and Language Alliance (NIKLA).
Preserving Indigenous History
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Indigitization is a collaborative initiative between BC Indigenous groups and academic partners from the University of British Columbia and the University of Northern British Columbia to facilitate capacity building in Indigenous information management. MRU Archives and Special Collections has two loanable digitization kits that allow for cassette tapes to be digitized locally, giving communities the ability to conserve, digitize, and manage knowledge. This initiative can help reduce barriers for Indigenous communities to archive while retaining ownership of recordings and maintaining autonomy around public records and access.
To learn more about the kits, please contact Archives and Special Collections.