Library and Archives Canada launches e-book Nations to Nations: Indigenous Voices at Library and Archives Canada
News release
LAC is pleased to announce the launch of Nations to Nations: Indigenous Voices at Library and Archives Canada, an interactive multimedia e-book featuring essays written by First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation employees. This e-book builds upon two Indigenous documentary heritage initiatives at LAC: We Are Here: Sharing Stories and Listen, Hear Our Voices.
Nations to Nations: Indigenous Voices at Library and Archives Canada(link to come) highlights the stories and unique perspectives of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation, and it offers an opportunity to learn about the diversity of the histories, languages and cultures of Indigenous peoples.
Presented mostly in the Indigenous languages spoken by the people represented in each essay, the e-book features personal interpretations of a wide range of archival and published records digitized through the We Are Here: Sharing Stories initiative. Indigenous-related collection items were chosen by the authors and include journals, maps, artwork, photographs, publications and audiovisual recordings.
The e-book features 28 essays in the following languages and dialects, which are accompanied by English and French versions:
- First Nations: Anishinaabemowin, Anishinabemowin, Denesųłiné, Kanien’kéha, Mi’kmaq, nêhiyawêwin and Nishnaabemowin
- Inuit: Inuttut and Inuktitut (Roman orthography and syllabics)
- Métis Nation: Heritage Michif
This exciting new resource offers a unique reading experience and a look into a selection of documentary heritage materials of First Nations, Inuit and the Métis Nation found in the collections at LAC. It is available free of charge on iBook for Apple devices and EPUB for Android devices.
About Library and Archives Canada
The mandate of Library and Archives Canada is to preserve the documentary heritage of Canada for the benefit of present and future generations, and to be a source of enduring knowledge accessible to all, thereby contributing to the cultural, social and economic advancement of Canada. Library and Archives Canada also facilitates co-operation among communities involved in the acquisition, preservation and diffusion of knowledge, and serves as the continuing memory of the Government of Canada and its institutions.
Library and Archives Canada is online at www.bac-lac.gc.ca.
Quotes
This initiative is an exciting demonstration of our commitment to support the efforts of Indigenous peoples to reclaim, revitalize, maintain and strengthen their languages and cultures. Not only does it build bridges with new generations in First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation communities, it also contributes to educating the entire country on Indigenous peoples’ ancestral languages and traditions before any part of this land became known as Canada.”
The Honourable Steven Guilbeault, Minister of Canadian Heritage
“I am simply amazed by the amount of effort, passion and true collaboration shown by everyone involved in this project, from Indigenous authors at Library and Archives Canada to translators and project coordinators. Truth and reconciliation can only happen when there is openness, respect and an understanding of Indigenous peoples’ past and present. Hearing these stories from Indigenous people themselves, in their own words, is one step along that path.”
Leslie Weir, Librarian and Archivist of Canada
Quick facts
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Library and Archives Canada is committed to including different perspectives and stories in both its collection and the national discourse. Some recent examples include the $14.9 million invested to support Indigenous communities to increase access to Indigenous-related content in LAC’s collection and to support Indigenous communities in their efforts to preserve First Nations, Inuit and Métis Nation heritage, through two Indigenous documentary heritage initiatives: We Are Here: Sharing Stories and Listen, Hear Our Voices.
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In April 2019, LAC also launched a five-year action plan that comprises 28 actions to recognize Indigenous rights and increase access to the collection. Developed in collaboration with the Indigenous Advisory Circle, this plan represents LAC’s response to the Calls to Action of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada and illustrates its commitment toward implementing the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples.
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Additionally, the Government of Canada’s Budget 2021 proposes to provide an additional $14.9 million over four years, beginning in 2021–22, to support the preservation of Indigenous heritage through Library and Archives Canada.
Associated links
Contacts
Media Relations
Library and Archives Canada
819-994-4589 (office)
bac.media.lac@bac-lac.gc.ca