Report and Recommendations of the Consultation on Aboriginal Resources and Services - (continued)

Draft Vision Statement for the New Library and Archives Canada

In view of the transformation process currently under way, presenting the draft vision statement for the new institution recommended by the Aboriginal Heritage and Knowledge working group on transformation seems timely and appropriate to moving forward collectively.

Library and Archives Canada, in partnership with Aboriginal communities and related organizations, sustains a holistic and integrated approach in the development, preservation, promotion and sharing of Aboriginal heritage and knowledge.

• Our programs and policies reflect a mutual understanding and respect between LAC and Aboriginal communities.
• Our programs and services are known and valued by all Canadians and other indigenous societies around the world.

Overview of the Consultation

On March 27, in the presence of Elder Irene Lindsay, Ingrid Parent, Director-General, Acquisitions and Bibliographic Services, opened the consultation. Ms. Parent welcomed the participants from across Canada, representing different types of libraries, archival and other organizations, public and private. This report offers an overview of the proceedings of March 27-28 and of the contributions of the participants, all of whom are committed to developing, promoting and facilitating access to quality resources by or about Aboriginal peoples and to developing the organizations providing services.

The consultation provided an opportunity for participants and the staff at LAC to meet and greet each other. LAC staff were able to get a glimpse of what was happening in the communities and the participants had a chance to learn more about LAC. The initiative taken by LAC to organize a national consultation was well received and participants expressed encouragement and support for a continued relationship, such as an external advisory board, group or council. Support was also evident for the recommendations in the report, All Our Relations, and for other suggestions put forth. The transformation process uniting the National Library and National Archives to form one institution was seen as an opportunity to strengthen ties with Aboriginal communities, thereby increasing their involvement in future development of policies and programs.

Many of the categories already identified in the All Our Relations report emerged throughout the discussions and numerous recommendations. Some of these issues and concerns were consultation/partnerships; funding/resources; jurisdiction; planning/administration; universal and equitable access; education, training and professional development; advocacy; promotion; authenticity of voice; and outreach/networking.

The March consultation forms an integral part of an ongoing process at LAC. Through such collaboration and consultation, LAC will continue to further the vision of partnerships with Aboriginal peoples in the promotion and sharing of Aboriginal heritage and knowledge.

Executive Summary

Two days of consultations in March 2003 resulted in greater understanding between LAC and Aboriginal communities in the following areas of concern, and gave rise to the associated recommendations.

Consultation/Partnerships
The idea of ongoing consultation and the formation of an external advisory group were both well received, and participants expressed positive feelings about offering this kind of support to ensure a continued Aboriginal presence and increased involvement in future policies and programs.
Recommendations 1 - 2

Funding/Resources
Many communities are experiencing difficulties in securing resources to establish a library. Isolation and size as well as a lack of connectivity compound the problems of competing for dollars traditionally available from municipal, provincial and federal sources.
Recommendation 3

Jurisdiction
Several issues arise with jurisdiction at all levels of governance (federal, provincial, territorial, municipal), as each has their funding linked to specific clientele. The extent of such problems must be determined through research that will look at the various structures and barriers that hinder equitable access.
Recommendation 4

Planning/Administration
There seems to be little priority given to libraries or archival centres in communities. Few resources are dedicated to providing library or archival services to Aboriginal communities, and these are the first areas to be cut when budgets are tight.
Recommendations 5 - 6

Universal and Equitable Access
Access to LAC and other national resources and services was seen as an area needing attention. The main concerns were that past and current cataloguing tools and techniques are inadequate in representing the diversity of Aboriginal languages and cultures.
Recommendations 7 - 10

Education, Training and Professional Development
The concerns in this area fall into three main categories: (1) the lack of trained Aboriginal professionals to work in libraries and archival centres; (2) the lack of non- Aboriginal people trained in working with Aboriginal communities; and (3) the lack of training and technical support to use the resources and services available through LAC.
Recommendations 11 - 13

Advocacy
There is a considerable lack of awareness, understanding and knowledge about the role of a national library and archival centre in Canada. Advocacy at all levels was seen as an important step toward improving programming and services.
Recommendations 14 - 16

Promotion
LAC should take a lead role in promoting the value of libraries and archives and their collections, programs and services throughout Canada. Establishing a newsletter is a first step.
Recommendations 17 - 18

Authenticity of Voice
Participants were concerned with the types of materials that have been published or are held by LAC that contain inappropriate information or biased, prejudicial or racist interpretations of content. There was also concern about guides and tools that do not respect the diversity of Aboriginal peoples.
Recommendation 19

Outreach/Networking
Establishing a network of librarians, archivists and other specialists working in the area of Aboriginal resources and services was seen as vital in building relationships with Aboriginal communities and supporting Aboriginal goals toward self-determination.
Recommendations 20 - 24

Recommendations

1. That an external advisory group be formed, made up of members who are active in Aboriginal libraries, archives, research and information centres, or in resource, language and cultural centres, or who are experts on Aboriginal issues.
   
   
2. That a community liaison be identified and invited to participate in consultations "as needed" in an advisory role.
   
   
3. That support be made available to identify additional funding and resources for libraries and archival centers and that joint efforts be made to advocate and solicit for monies toward their development and maintenance.
   
   
4. That jurisdictional problems be identified in each of the provinces and municipalities and that collective efforts be taken toward their resolution.
   
   
5. That planning and administrative functions to develop, promote and facilitate access to LAC collections in partnership with Aboriginal communities be given high priority.
   
   
6. That two or three national initiatives be undertaken with full support from Aboriginal communities.
   
   
7. That a narrative guide be created by LAC to explain the organization of the various agencies that have been responsible for administering Indian Affairs records, with the assistance of Aboriginal storytellers to aid communities in accessing LAC resources.
   
   
8. That learner-friendly pamphlets on how to do research in various areas of LAC be created.
   
   
9. That access to all Aboriginal materials be improved through the development of tools, guides, pathfinders and other information bulletins in plain language.
   
   
10. That the development of appropriate cataloguing and subject guides be considered a priority in the long term to address the deficiencies of the current subject heading guides and cataloguing practices.
    
    
11. That additional resources be devoted to the education and training of Aboriginal peoples through LAC, or in partnership with similar organizations.
    
    
12. That LAC hold information sessions on ISBN, Copyright and Legal Deposit and conduct other workshops on use of the technology required to access LAC resources and services.
    
    
13. That LAC initiate a Library and Archival Technician Trainee program and an Archival Trainee program similar to the LS Trainee Program for Aboriginal peoples.
    
    
14. That ideas gathered from the March 2003 consultation be incorporated into a proposal and that the draft be taken to communities for support by the tribal councils and other members.
    
    
15. That advocacy work for library and archival services in Aboriginal communities be given high priority.
    
    
16. That champions be suggested as role models, particularly for Aboriginal youth.
    
    
17. That a newsletter be created to promote the vision and value of libraries and archival resources and to highlight initiatives and programs within Aboriginal communities and at LAC.
    
    
18. That promotion of library and archival resources be considered a high priority.
    
    
19. That cultural and social issues and authenticity of voice be given renewed emphasis in program initiatives and policy development.
    
    
20. That a database be developed at LAC to provide a directory and other information on Aboriginal content and resources within library, archival and other like organizations.
    
    
21. That a list of contact names in regions be provided to the LAC internal working group and the external advisory group.
    
    
22. That the role of LAC regional offices be clarified.
    
    
23. That networking and outreach services be improved.
    
    
24. That LAC undertake a survey of Aboriginal library and archival collections and services throughout Canada, followed by a report.

Conclusion

At the close of the consultation process, various participants expressed excitement about what was happening, stating they felt honoured to participate, to have their voices heard and to be a part of something new. Having a voice at LAC and engaging in such consultations indicates the beginnings of partnerships that can help libraries gain exposure and improve programs and services. Participants also agreed it would be wonderful to improve access and sharing of resources and bring our communities together for the benefit of all Canadians.