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

Report and Recommendations

This section of the report introduces the general categories of concern followed by points or questions raised during the discussions. The recommendations that follow come from a consensus of opinion of Aboriginal community representatives who participated in the consultation.

The recommendations that follow come from a consensus of opinion of Aboriginal community representatives who participated in the consultation.

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 developments of policies and programs.

• The Aboriginal voice is essential to program initiatives and policy development in institutions that have typically been Eurocentric; LAC is no exception.
• LAC should take a lead role nationally toward improvements in libraries across Canada and serve as a role model to regional centres.
• Universal concerns, initiatives or programs and services should be monitored, coordinated and documented at a national level. Examples of partnerships can serve as models to regions.

Recommendation no. 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.

Rationale
An external advisory group could provide valuable information about archives, libraries and communities. LAC could benefit from consulting this group of experts and could improve its services to Aboriginal peoples accordingly. By participating in the development of policy and planning initiatives with LAC and its partners, the group would ensure that the diversity of Aboriginal communities is taken into account. It would also help establish guidelines for consultative processes at the national and local levels in communities and associations. LAC's Aboriginal Resources and Services initiative needs the support of such a group to forge a reciprocal relationship.

Recommendation no. 2
That a community liaison be identified and invited to participate in consultations "as needed" in an advisory role.

Rationale
This Aboriginal person could facilitate sharing of information and resources between the Aboriginal communities and LAC. He or she would provide a more immediate and personal contact for any communication. The March 2003 consultations are themselves part of an important liaison with Aboriginal resource specialists, and working with a community liaison would be an extension of this kind of partnership.

Funding/Resources

Many communities are experiencing difficulties in identifying, allocating or securing resources to establish a library. Those that have a library, or perhaps a small designated room or space in a tribal council building, school, cultural centre or other area, have difficulty sustaining funds because of the lack of resources. Isolation and size as well as lack of connectivity compound the problems of competing for library and archival dollars traditionally available from municipal, provincial and federal sources.

• Base funding is needed to establish and keep libraries open
• No funding is available to start up new libraries
• Funding is needed for all resources (materials and staffing)
• Lack of staff-cannot make use of resources (e.g., programming and service)
• Too much reliance on volunteers to manage and operate service
• Too much responsibility for the librarian (required to be a "jack of all trades")
• Separate funding for libraries is required from tribal council budgets
• Many libraries have no budgets for collections
• Libraries require special buildings that conform to library standards for space, facilities and equipment
• Money is a problem for staff attendance at conferences and events
• Money required for operational and administrative services (e.g., reproduction) is inadequate
• What are the opportunities for independent and other libraries on and off reserve to receive federal support dollars?
• Availability of technology varies from community to community-inconsistencies with access and connectivity
• Need basic publishing information (e.g., ISBN)
• Is there a possibility for support from Canadian Heritage for an Aboriginal library program to preserve local histories embedded in languages, in view of the recent initiative announced for a centre for the preservation of language and culture?
• Possibility of establishing a high-profile Aboriginal centre at LAC
• How to start with Virtual Reference Canada (VRC)-are needs answered locally?
• Service providers for VRC in community-central point for disseminating information-financial support?

Recommendation no. 3
That support be made available to identify additional funding and resources for libraries and archival centres and that joint efforts be made to advocate and solicit for monies toward their development and maintenance.

Rationale
There is no funding for libraries in some communities that do not have them; often there are no collection budgets for the different types of libraries that do exist. Money is also a factor for staff attendance at conferences. As well, the problem of not enough staff results in little use of resources. In conjunction with this, there is too much reliance on volunteers, and too much responsibility for the librarian, who must handle all kinds of duties. Certain requirements for library buildings, materials and equipment, as well as certain standards for library facilities, must be met. Libraries lack proper facilities and the proper environment to preserve collections for future generations.

Jurisdiction

Several issues tend to arise with jurisdiction at all levels of governance (federal, provincial, territorial, municipal), as each has their funding linked to specific clientele. To what extent jurisdictional problems exist must be determined through research that will look at the various governance structures, existing agreements, existing policies or the systemic barriers that may be in place that hinder or restrict equitable and universal access.

• Public libraries are funded by municipalities and are accessible to members of municipalities
• In British Columbia, municipalities now arrange with First Nations to provide library services-huge barriers and administrative problems exist
• Trying to serve all members of Aboriginal community, but not funded to do so
• Serving Métis, Non-status or First Nations raises jurisdictional problems

Recommendation no. 4
That jurisdictional problems be identified in each of the provinces and municipalities and that collective efforts be taken toward their resolution.

Rationale
Public libraries are funded by municipalities or provinces and are accessible to members of these communities only. In some cases, libraries cannot serve all members of the Aboriginal community, such as First Nations outside their jurisdiction. Such accessibility issues may contribute to conflicts that impede appropriate provision of services to Aboriginal peoples.

Planning/Administration

There seems to be little priority or importance given to libraries or archival centres in communities. Few resources are dedicated to establishing library or archival services or to enhancing or improving existing programs and services to Aboriginal communities. Little or no thought, therefore, is put into planning or development at any level and, as a result, these are the first areas to be cut when budgets are tight.

• Libraries are low in the list of priorities
• Libraries and librarians are undervalued
• Preservation of collection is a problem
• Libraries are the first to be cut in an organization
• Coordination is required in identifying needs and providing services
• Transformation of National Library and National Archives into one institution provides opportunity to strengthen Aboriginal presence
• Recommendations of All Our Relations report are being considered by internal committee, to be expanded to include National Archives staff
• Long-term planning is needed
• Tools and guides should be developed to assist with development and planning

Recommendation no. 5
That planning and administrative functions to develop, promote and facilitate access to LAC collections in partnership with Aboriginal communities be given high priority.

Rationale
The prevailing attitude toward libraries and librarians at the community level must change, and planning for the future must include promotion and marketing. Preservation issues must be considered as well. It is necessary to coordinate needs and the provision of services with communities.

Recommendation no. 6
That two or three national initiatives be undertaken with full support from Aboriginal communities.

Rationale
Work could be done in areas where there is definite commitment and consensus on the priorities in the communities. These initiatives could provide valuable learning experiences and ideas from which new projects could be launched. This is in keeping with the finding of the Working Group on Collection Policies: that Aboriginal communities feel that any initiatives must be developed in full partnership with them and over a continued period of time. In the past, programs have been short-lived and initiatives were developed for, not with, Aboriginal communities.

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; tools and guides to describe or access resources may be esoteric or just not available. It was evident that the priority for Aboriginal communities is to access content by or about Aboriginal peoples in order to learn more about themselves; however, this often proved to be a challenge for many communities, for many reasons.

• Universal access to library and archive services
• User-friendly Web site
• Cataloguing-subject headings need to be appropriate and more specific in recognizing the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and content
• Categorization needs improvement
• Terminology needs improvement
• Remoteness-connectivity in isolated communities is a problem
• Easier access to resources is required
• Information sharing
• One library card for community?
• One amalgamated catalogue
• Finding aids are needed
• Aboriginal version of AMICUS?
• Development of a more useful, comprehensive database to access RG10
• Much Aboriginal material is still not widely known
• Tracking more obscure Aboriginal content from all sources is a problem
• Structure of LAC guides is a problem
• Descriptive standards for Aboriginal materials at LAC needs improvement-what do Aboriginal communities want to use?
• If Aboriginal communities are to donate photographs to LAC, turnaround time needs to be quicker-LAC policies should be adjusted to make this work
• With Images Canada, contributions could be made without leaving the community; contributions could be framed as a project
• Advice on preservation depends on what kind of access the community wants
• Private records are difficult to access until a guide is finished; more is being done with private records on the Internet
• Aboriginal Resources and Services Web site is now a priority-suggestions invited from participants
• Database of Aboriginal resources and contacts is now being compiled at LAC

Recommendation no. 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.

Rationale
The narrative could clarify how government records are created and filed. This would assist communities to understand and gain access to the records. The narrative would provide an introduction, explaining how Indian and Northern Affairs Canada (INAC) is organized and what its history has been, as well as LAC's systems of organization. This could be explained to storytellers, who could be involved with interpretation.

Recommendation no. 8
That learner-friendly pamphlets on how to do research in various areas of LAC be created.

Rationale
Such user-friendly material could be consulted before research is begun. Introductory pamphlets would be important tools and would help make LAC a more welcoming, less intimidating institution.

Recommendation no. 9
That access to all Aboriginal materials be improved through the development of tools, guides, pathfinders and other information bulletins in plain language.

Rationale
Libraries should be user-friendly, but municipal libraries are not always accessible because of the terminology used in all areas. LAC must be aware of the remoteness of communities and the difficulties of connectivity. Librarians are looking for partners to improve their services and build capacity for information gathering in their communities. LAC can play an important role here and in the area of access and jurisdiction; it must make the collections known through outreach and collaboration. An Aboriginal version of AMICUS could be considered, as well as one amalgamated catalogue and a single library card for one community. Special interest areas of LAC, such as treaty and land claims, governance, and genealogy as it relates to band membership should be identified. Tools such as guides to collections should be developed. People want to know about Aboriginal materials and how to access them.

Recommendation no. 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.

Rationale
There is a need to re-teach the "experts," such as cataloguers, about the terms used to describe Aboriginal peoples. Issues of racism and ignorance are raised by present cataloguing standards and terminology. Some argue that geographic classification should not be used and that pre-contact naming practices should be followed. In some cases, though, geographic references provide an effective point of access. Developing a thesaurus or other guide could alleviate some of the difficulties with access and organization.

Education, Training and Professional Development

The concerns in this area fall into three main categories: (1) the lack of trained Aboriginal professionals and Aboriginal people in related occupations to work in libraries and archival centres, and lack of access to professional development opportunities; (2) the lack of non-Aboriginal people trained in working with Aboriginal communities and well informed about Aboriginal knowledge and perspective; and (3) the lack of training and ongoing technical support for new programs or software and adequate tools or guides to fully use the rich abundance of resources and services available through LAC.

• Need for bibliographic instruction o Need for IT training and ongoing support
• Need for staff training (on the job and community-based)
• Need to train Aboriginal librarians and archivists
• Mentorship programs are required
• Work exchange programs are required
• Expose co-op students to the professions
• Re-teach the experts-two-way communication is required in working in Aboriginal communities
• Information on and access to professional development opportunities
• Awareness and information about programs and services is lacking. How is information being distributed and to whom?
• Support communities by making them aware of the professional skills required to maintain a library or an archival centre, as there is a lack of trained professionals
• Lack of respect for the skills and competencies required in the development and maintenance of libraries and archives in communities
• Literacy level in some communities is a concern as is the library not knowing how to respond to Aboriginal

Recommendation no. 11
That additional resources be devoted to education and training of Aboriginal peoples through LAC, or in partnership with similar organizations.

Rationale
There is a pressing need in Aboriginal communities for bibliographic instruction and training with respect to methods of preservation and organization. Aboriginal librarians and archivists should be trained. Mentorship and work exchange programs should be employed, and co-op students should be exposed to the profession. Information must be disseminated, and there must be access to professional development, education and training initiatives.

Recommendation no. 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.

Rationale
Many Aboriginal people feel that legal deposit obligations are non-applicable or irrelevant to them and many communities wish to remain their own knowledge keepers. Such information sessions, then, would be very useful to librarians in Aboriginal communities; they could deal sensitively with the issue of collection of Aboriginal materials and, through personal contact, stress the advantages of contributing copies of Aboriginal works to LAC. Contribution could be dealt with through partnership agreements. In this way, the collection of Aboriginal materials could be built up and promoted nationwide. At present, there is also no IT training nor ongoing support for the technology required to access resources and services at LAC.

Recommendation no. 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.

Rationale
For some Aboriginal students, it is more relevant to pursue careers in archives or technician programs than in a master's program in library studies. The additional trainee programs would offer other options and might facilitate a return to the community to work.

Advocacy

It was generally agreed that there is a considerable lack of awareness, understanding and knowledge among Aboriginal library and archival communities about the role of a national library and archival centre in Canada. This perception may be attributed to Canada's history and relationship with Aboriginal peoples as well as many other factors. Advocacy at all levels in all communities was seen as an important step toward improving programming and services and in gathering and preserving Aboriginal heritage and knowledge.

• Advocacy for funding and an awareness of the role of LAC
• Lack of consistent support by elected officials
• Advocacy program could provide stability and allow for long-term planning
• Need for community support for advocacy

Recommendation no. 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.

Rationale
Through the circulation of the draft, crucial support from communities and tribal councils can be gathered. Such backing in the form of letters and suggestions will aid in obtaining further support and in finalizing the report on the consultation. It is also more likely that the recommendations listed in this report will be followed and acted upon.

Recommendation no. 15
That advocacy work for library and archival services in Aboriginal communities be given high priority.

Rationale
It seems that no one is advocating for the Aboriginal communities, and there is little understanding by institutions of the needs of Aboriginal peoples. There are no sustaining resources to protect and preserve collections. Advocacy work is very important to libraries, which often have to exist from grant to grant, with no stability and no long-term planning options. Advocacy is needed to build funding and to develop awareness. In the past, there has been a lack of consistent support from elected officials. LAC should take an advocacy "lead" nationally. Important advocacy issues to be emphasized are funding, investment in infrastructure, promotion by champions, and the opportunity to work with the growing population of Aboriginal youth.

Recommendation no. 16
That champions be suggested as role models, particularly for Aboriginal youth.

Rationale
With the support of such champions, the importance of libraries and library services for youth could be emphasized. The following names were suggested at the consultation: Verna Kirkness, Gordon Tootoosis, Tomson Highway, Maria Campbell, Ovide Mercredi, Roberta Jamieson, Ethel Blondin-Andrew, Thelma Shellerton, Buffy Sainte-Marie, Thomas King, Shania Twain. Aboriginal Achievement Award winners, such as the Honourable James K. Bartleman, were recommended as well.

Promotion

Among the concerns within the category of advocacy and promotion, several suggestions were made as to how LAC might take a lead in promoting the value of libraries and archives and their collections, programs and services throughout Canada. Establishing a newsletter would be a first step toward advocating, promoting and disseminating information in all areas of concern.

• Recognition of the importance of the library resource is lacking
• Promote library services in Aboriginal communities and at large
• Promote librarianship, archives work and records management as career choices in Aboriginal communities
• Promote the value of libraries to administrators such as tribal councils, INAC
• Champions are needed for the library cause in Aboriginal communities
• LAC to host a symposium or forum with INAC, tribal councils and other potential partners
• Lobby the government (before an election)
• Need for personal interaction and direct communication with communities-inform communities about programs and services
• Promotion within LAC-Aboriginal people at LAC to continue to speak up and influence developments

Recommendation no. 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.

Rationale
A newsletter could be part of a public relations drive to promote library services to Aboriginal peoples. Such promotion would raise public awareness and more support could be offered to the advisory group and to LAC. As well, the newsletter could provide a forum for new ideas.

Recommendation no. 18
That promotion of library and archival resources be considered a high priority.

Rationale
There is little recognition of the importance of the library resource in Aboriginal communities. Library and information services may not take precedence over more pressing issues such as housing and health care. Librarianship, archival work and records management should be promoted as careers, and the value of libraries to Aboriginal bands and communities should also be promoted. LAC should provide a national overview of its resources and services. Champions for the library cause are needed in Aboriginal communities. They should lobby federal and provincial governments, particularly before an election, in an effort to bring attention to the disparity that exists in this area among communities. The Aboriginal media and press could also be used to increase the visibility of LAC resources and services.

Authenticity of Voice

Participants were concerned about the types of materials that have been published or are held by LAC that contain inappropriate information; biased, prejudicial or racist interpretations of content; or presentation of content out of context. Also, there was a concern with respect to guides or tools developed for accessibility to information. Often these tools or guides have been produced without respect for the diversity of Aboriginal peoples and leave out essential information.

• Need for trust, ease and comfort in voicing concerns about inappropriateness
• Ignorance of the needs of Aboriginal peoples
• Racism
• Need for greater understanding of Aboriginal peoples-beyond "history"
• Non-traditional paths to information might be more "accessible"
• Ease of approach/welcome lacking-people come to libraries with the perception they will not be welcomed or helped
• Community levels-programs could be directed to specific groups within the community
• Learning options for Elders
• Connectivity and public access to IT provide level of privacy
• Proper pre-contact names should be used in cataloguing
• Issues in dealing with sacred materials-what can or cannot be displayed
• For future publications, survey to be done on usefulness of Forthcoming Books and Quill and Quire -better to go electronic?
• Differences in language (e.g., reference specialist vs. user)
• Would 30 short interviews on residential school be the kind of history wanted? It depends on the nature of the project; the true history is the oral version, as the transcript may be edited and raises copyright concerns o What mechanisms do we need to consider when protecting these stories?
• One suggestion-it is not possible for a non-Aboriginal person to interview an Aboriginal person, as he or she can only understand the "surface" of the interview
• The Canadian Oral History Association has many discussions about such issues
• Will the sessions be by us and for us, or about us?
• An advisory board will give everyone a voice
• Knowledge should go in both directions

Recommendation no. 19
That cultural and social issues and authenticity of voice be given renewed emphasis in program initiatives and policy development.

Rationale
Issues of trust, ease and comfort are important in the library setting. Non-traditional paths to information (such as storytelling) may be more "accessible." Programs could be directed to specific groups within the community, and there could be alternative learning options for Elders. Connectivity and public access to IT could provide a level of privacy.

Outreach/Networking

Establishing a network of librarians, archivists and other specialists working in the area of Aboriginal resources and services was seen as vital to building relationships with Aboriginal communities and establishing partnerships, consultation or other forms of collaborative projects. An Aboriginal network would also assist in linking communities to share common resources and services at all levels in all territories, supporting Aboriginal goals toward self-determination.

• Networking with library organizations is important
• Sense of sharing among local libraries needs to be fostered
• Outreach from central agency-LAC needs to do more
• LAC needs to establish a presence, set up a network among Aboriginal communities and build relationships

Recommendation no. 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.

Rationale
A database is an important way to obtain information about people and their resources. Contact information on Aboriginal authors, publishers and specialists (such as librarians and researchers working with Aboriginal materials) could be included, as well as names of groups and organizations that have an Aboriginal focus. This would help to link communities, possibly saving duplication of collections and services. Additional useful information to include in the database might be biographical and critical data on Aboriginal creators of significant literary or historical content.

Recommendation no. 21
That a list of contact names in regions be provided to the LAC internal working group and the external advisory group.

Rationale
Contact names for various regions and for library and archival fields providing various services would be invaluable in grouping information and assisting with community needs. This information could be included in a database that would be searchable online on the LAC Web site.

Recommendation no. 22
That the role of LAC regional offices be clarified

The clarification of roles could benefit both archivists and regional representatives, and would enable better sharing of information and facilities.

Recommendation no. 23
That networking and outreach services be improved.

Rationale
Networking with other library services must be ongoing. One important role of LAC is to initiate outreach and build relationships beyond the central agency, so that Aboriginal peoples know about its relevant resources and services. Steps are under way to review and explore the collections, programs, services and activities at LAC; these are important because they will ensure that an Aboriginal perspective is represented. As well, a LAC presence should be ensured at conferences and meetings of Aboriginal peoples to establish a network, build relationships, and share information and services. Long-term, planned outreach projects including training programs will greatly benefit Aboriginal communities.

Recommendation no. 24
That LAC undertake a survey of Aboriginal library and archival collections and services throughout Canada, followed by a report.

Rationale
Data on the state of Aboriginal libraries and archives are needed. Once such data are collected, specific needs can be identified and attempts can be made to solve problems and improve services, resulting in more equitable access, collection development and programming. Having such data would also help raise awareness among Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal organizations, support funding proposals and encourage partnerships.