Well, the Alberta government has stepped up to the plate for libraries with a 39% increase in funding for Alberta public libraries. I hope that a significant percentage of funds is earmarked for Recommendation 13 of the MLA Committee on the Future of Public Library Services, which states:
Recommendation 13
Hold formal meetings with the federal government and First Nations and Metis settlements so they can be included in the vision of seamless access to public library services.
Accept. Municipal Affairs (working with Aboriginal Relations) will initiate discussion between First Nations and Metis stakeholders and the federal government on Aboriginal library services.
I’ve always said that 13 is a good number (ah, I was born on the 13th)!
I’m interested to find out what role the province is willing to assume, with or without federal participation. If you’ve read Brendan Edwards’ Paper Talk, you would clearly see how Indian and Northern Affairs has skirted and/or denied support for First Nations run libraries. Is the province willing to provide financial support to First Nations (on-reserve) and Metis (within the settlements) to establish and sustain public libraries?
Filed under: First Nations, First Peoples, Libraries, Metis
