YORKTON - A ‘Read Indigenous’ space was officially opened at the Yorkton Public Library Thursday.
“This is a very exciting day for us,” said branch manager Amber Harvey, adding the opening was a celebration of culture.
The Read Indigenous space is a partnership project that was in the works for the past year and is a partnership between the library and the Yorkton Tribal Council.
The space “includes books, resources, technology, as well as distinct art and furniture to create a welcoming area to honour Indigenous Culture and continue sharing and learning for all community members,” detailed a release.
The YTC donated $7,500 to the library for the purchase of new books, in particular some 250, which have been identified nationally as important in terms of efforts toward truth and reconciliation.
“These are going to be a showcase item,” said YTC Indigenous Cultural Liaison Cory Cadotte, adding the books are “must reads.”
In terms of reconciliation Cadotte said the library space is part of that process.
“This is what reconciliation looks like,” he said, adding it is projects like the one at the library which show how people can work together to move toward a better future. “Because we are all treaty people.”
Isabel O’Soup, YTC Tribal Chief said the funding was part of an ongoing effort to be a partner in the community, with a particular focus on preserving history. She said we all share a history.
O’Soup likened the new library space to a seed that when watered will grow.
“We’re just grateful the day is here,” she said, adding “one day a 100 years from now future generations will be looking back and celebrating what we’re doing today.”
Yorkton Mayor Mitch Hippsley called the new space “a significant resource,” which people in the city will be able to access “to learn about our past.”
