First Nations Library Services

The main goal of the First Nations Library Service is to assist First Nation librarians through programs and consulting services, to establish and maintain public libraries. We provide training and consulting for First Nation Public Libraries in our service area.

Consultation

The First Nation Advisor provides consultation services to assist First Nations establish and build library services. The advisor provides advice on best practices, guidance and training. The advisor also organize training events with the assistance of the First Nation Strategic Action Group (FNSAG), such as the First Nations Spring Gathering, training events, and other workshops.

Our Way Forward Review - 2020

The First Nation Strategic Action Group (FNSAG) has been working on a review of the Our Way Forward Strategic Plan (2004). The goal is to use existing consultation reports such as Our Way Forward (2004) and Needs Assessment Reports to inform future online professional development opportunities. FNSAG recognizes in order for each First Nation Public Library in Ontario to succeed and meet the goals listed in Our Way Forward, First Nations-specific training and information sharing that impacts the day-to-day operations of public librarians is the starting point. Equally important is understanding the history of First Nation Public Libraries in Ontario and how our sector fits into the larger library sector.

First Nation Public Librarians are invited to complete the following survey which will help First Nation Consultants schedule upcoming professional developmen training sessions: FN Training Survey

The survey corresponds with the following "living document" which will be used by FNSAG and First Nation Consultants to organize each event. The goal is to offer short and informative instructional videos that will be available online.

Taking Care of Communities - First Nation Public Librarian Learning Strategy

The following inforgraphics outline the history of First Nation Public Libraries in Ontario and act as practical resources for conducting library business:

Northern Ontario First Nation Graphic Novel Collective (Will Eisner)

Ontario Library Service - North is the first EVER Canadian recipient of the Will Eisner Innovation Grant to run the Northern Ontario First Nation Graphic Novel Collective. Any public library is welcome to use the following resources: Discussion | Activity Guide, poster template, artist interviews.

The Will Eisner Innovation Grant provided funding to mail 10 copies of Marvel's Voices: Indigenous Voices #1 and a collection of other graphic novel-related materials to each First Nation public library in Northern Ontario.

Download the Comic Book template: JPEG or PDF.

Download the Event Poster template: JPEG or PDF.

Coming Soon!

Interviews with Jay Odjick (Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg) and Cedar Eve (Saugeen First Nation)!