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Sep 13, 2022 Share Download PDF A Library Like No Other Highlights Indigenous Tragedy with Heartbreakingly Beautiful Books The travelling Canadian Library will bring awareness, conversation and change to communities across Canada September 24, Unionville, Ontario : At a time when Canadians and the world are acknowledging the deep, long wounds caused by Canada’s widespread abuse of its Indigenous peoples, a new travelling art installation — commemorating the First Nations, Metis and Inuit women and children who have been murdered or gone missing— will travel to communities nationwide as a catalyst for greater awareness, conversation and change. The Canadian Library is a collaboration between Indigenous and non-Indigenous creators and nonprofits that aims to remind Canadians that every missing and murdered Indigenous woman and child has a story, by printing their names on the spines of books that have been individually handwrapped in original, Indigenous-designed fabrics. Presented in bookshelves, the books form a dazzling and diverse showcase of Indigenous design, and are the first Canadian library dedicated to this national tragedy. The public will be able to take in the deeply emotional display at various locations, including public and civic institutions and IKEA stores, while also learning the stories of those named on the books through the Library’s website. The Library’s goal is 8,000 wrapped books, which will reside in a yetto-be-determined public setting. “My vision for The Canadian Library was to help start important conversations and educate each other about the true history of Canada, with a living art installation that every Canadian could participate in. Only with the truth being shared can true reconciliation happen.” — Shanta Sundarason, team lead. The Canadian Library will make its formal public debut at an event hosted by its originators, an Unionville, Ontario-based non-profit - The Giving Tree Unionville, on: ​ September 24th (Saturday) at 3pm Location: Varley Art Gallery, 216 Main Street Unionville, ON, L3R 2H1. Presenters include Ms. Sundarason as well as a notable group of Indigenous elders who will meet for the first time: linda manyguns , associate vice-president of indigenization and decolonization at Mount Royal University in Calgary; Mim Harder , Grandmother and educator of Canada’s true history; Mary Kelly , a survivor of Canada’s residential school system; and Sandra Moore , Indigenous artist and owner/ operator of Creators Gifts in Hiawatha First Nation, Ontario. “When I was first approached by the Canadian Library I was shocked to discover that women, other than other Indigenous women, care about our MMIWG and children. As an Indigenous woman I am honoured to have the privilege of working with these allies and sisters, in this unique and powerful way to pay respect to our MMIWG and raise awareness among all Canadians. The history and truth about Indigenous people is a dark stain on Canada, and this project starts to give colour to the stain.” — Sandra Moore, Hiawatha First Nation, Ontario In addition to viewing the Library in their communities, the public can contribute to the non-profit project through donations or purchases that cover programming and fabric costs, donating hardcover books to be wrapped, and volunteering. Installations are initially planned for the following sites, with dozens more installations across Canada planned; a full and evolving list and dates, as well as donation opportunities, is available at thecanadianlibrary.ca : Varley Gallery, Unionville, Ontario IKEA stores across Canada King City Museum, King City, Ontario Niagara Falls Library, Niagara Falls, Ontario Whitchurch-Stouffville Public Library, Ontario Richmond Hill Public Library, Ontario Mount Royal University, Calgary Oak Valley Health (previously Markham Stouffville Hospital), Ontario Numerous public schools and office buildings across Canada -------------------------------------- Media and materials contact: Shanta Sundarason, Team Lead. Email: info@thecanadianlibrary.ca Tel: (647) 389-8828 https://www.thecanadianlibrary.ca Instagram: @thecanadian_library Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thecanadianlibrary twitter: @CanLibraryA_I_R ​ -30-

Our Vision In order to move forward towards true reconciliation, we, as settlers, strive to increase the understanding amongst each other of the true history of Canada, the inequalities that exist to this day and to listen, to learn, and to practice self-reflection. Our Mission TCL facilitated the creation of Micro Galleries , as a visual lesson to raise awareness, to help settlers learn, to support and respect Indigenous Peoples in Canada. ​ Acknowledging the history and the wrongdoings that have occurred and are still occurring is the most important step. We provide a platform, a space where the stories of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls (MMIWG) and children are shared. You may also be interested in: Buy to Support Volunteering Donate Purchase Fabrics

What is The Canadian Library? What are Micro Galleries? Micro Galleries, Everywhere! The Canadian Library project is a community-engaged installation of over 8,000 hard-cover books, which will be individually covered in Indigenous-inspired fabric, and arranged on bookshelves. The names of lives lost, printed in gold letters, are placed on the spines of these books to individually respect and honour the thousands of Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women, Girls and children. TCL hopes that the visual representation of the books covered in glorious Indigenous fabrics and the names of those lost, printed on the spines of the books, will evoke a sense of empathy, understanding and desire to see change. TCL has, and continues, to consult and collaborate, with a great number of friends from various Indigenous communities, as they guide TCL on necessary and respectful steps to take along this journey. As allies and co-resistors, coming together to support our Indigenous families, TCL hopes to build mutual consent and trust, and to continue support in ways that are meaningful. Micro Gallery Map The First Micro Gallery As the project was trying to get off the ground, with the little funds that were collected amongst a small team of women, an initial bookcase was needed to house the covered books. A tall Billy bookcase for sale was found on Facebook Marketplace. The owner was kind enough to deliver it to TCL’s makeshift office and in the process of ‘chit-chat’ and understanding the purpose of the bookcase and the aim of the project, the owner shared her story. king heritage and cultural centre - The Canadian Library's first Micro Gallery king heritage and cultural centre - The Canadian Library's first Micro Gallery king heritage and cultural centre - The Canadian Library's first Micro Gallery king heritage and cultural centre - The Canadian Library's first Micro Gallery 1/5 She is the daughter of a residential school survivor. TCL felt so blessed that the first donation of a bookcase was from the daughter of a residential school survivor. Her mother is a survivor of the Shingwauk Residential School and to have her kick off this journey was very powerful. ​ The team at TCL also discovered profound beauty in the culture of Indigenous peoples. The art, designs and colours that we have been exposed to, through the fabrics, are breathtaking, which have been purchased through Indigenous businesses. What started as a few like-minded women wanting to help educate each other, through humility and respect, on the past and present state of affairs surrounding Indigenous families, has led TCL to create a beautiful living memorial and an educational tool to help settlers learn. How TCL Works?

TCL In The News The Canadian Library and its desire to start difficult yet important conversations and help educate thousands of Canadians has attracted much news media. Here you will find some of the highlighted coverage (in reverse chronological order) that talks about the project and the stories. Library art installations honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and children Brescia University College - Facebook Live Video Dec 13, 2023 ​ Read More Library art installations honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and children Western News Nov 14, 2023 ​ Read More Area libraries telling stories of missing, murdered Indigenous women London Free Press Nov 14, 2023 ​ Read More London Library's new micro gallery honours missing and murdered Indigenous women CBC News | London Nov 15, 2023 ​ Read More 'The world will never forget what happened to my sister': Project remembers missing and murdered Indigenous women CTV News | London Nov 14, 2023 ​ Read More Humber College Marks Red Dress Day Humber Today May 5, 2023 ​ Read More Micro galleries highlighting MMIWG stories aim to reconcile through knowledge and art Social Sharing YourTV April 18, 2023 ​ Watch Micro galleries highlighting MMIWG stories aim to reconcile through knowledge and art Social Sharing CBC News March 22, 2023 ​ Read More IKEA clears its bookcases for an Indigenous art installation StrategyOnline.ca September 29 2022 ​ Read More Canadian Library art exhibit focuses on Indigenous women and children barrie.ctvnews.ca September 28 2022 ​ Read More Markham advocate initiates nationwide Canadian Library project for true reconciliation YorkRegion.com September 24 2022 Read More IKEA Canada hosting Indigenous art installation in stores across Canada ikea.com September 26 2022 Read More IKEA Canada hosting Indigenous art installation in stores across Canada newswire.ca September 26 2022 ​ Read More The Canadian Library installation on campus Mount Royal University September 27 2022 ​ Read More Canadian Library art exhibit focuses on Indigenous women and children iHeart Radio September 28 2022 ​ Read More Newmarket hosts exhibit honouring missing, murdered Indigenous women New Market Today September 16 2022 Read More Art exhibit to honour missing and murdered Indigenous women and children Global News September 6 2022 06:26pm Read More

Share Your Thoughts The Canadian Library volunteers have been working very hard, and the support from donors have been inspiring. ​ If you have some comments, suggestions, or if you’d just like to say “thank you”, please let the team know. Submit Your Thoughts Dana Korba Lead photographer, TCL team Being a part of The Canadian Library has truly meant the world to me. It has been a space where we can come together to smile, to shed tears and to share important stories of our collective experiences both from the past, and present. I think that we have just scratched the surface on what Canadians even know about how Indigenous people were and are treated. Through our work and with many, many hands, we hope that by sharing a tiny glimpse of these beautiful lives lost, they will not be forgotten. Through my lens: I have had the incredible honour of being invited into this amazing circle of humans, to form The Canadian Library. Each of us comes together collectively to share their own unique gift and expertise. Together, we work as a well-oiled machine, trudging ahead to carve out a tiny space in the lives of Canadians everywhere. As the lead photographer, I have had the privilege to meet and capture some incredible indigenous fabrics, people and even visit some amazing spaces. Through my lens I get to feel and witness all of the love, sadness and hope we have for our beautiful Indigenous friends and family. We want you to look at these images and art installations and FEEL the importance of our mission. By starting conversations about these beautiful lives lost, our Indigenous friends will not be forgotten. Honour •Respect•Educate Thank you for your support. Sharon Gusz The Canadian Library allows those of us who might otherwise feel distant to the issues of missing Indigenous women and girls, a highly visual way to reflect and contribute. Ironing book covers can be completely individually or as part of group activity with emotions and stories being shared. Leena Mistry Member, TCL team When first approached, with the idea of honouring murdered and missing Indigenous women and children, by putting together an art installation of fabric covered books, I did not think this would have any impact in creating awareness. However, during brainstorming sessions on how the idea would become a reality, I became aware, I was learning, acknowledging, and taking responsibility for the actions of the colonizers’ impact on the lives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada. The Canadian Library is bringing together like minded people who, with humility, are having conversations about the true history of Canada, the impact of residential schools, the lives of what Indigenous women and girls faced and continue to face today. Whether covering books, making scrunchies, reading the stories about the women and children, participating in The Canadian Library art installation project is something I will never forget. Georgia Smith Member, TCL team As a Canadian, as a parent, and frankly as a human being, I was absolutely mortified by the discovery of the mass unmarked graves of Indigenous children. As more sites were discovered, the more devastated and disgusted I became. How was this allowed to happen? How did I not know my own country's history?! When I learned about The Canadian Library project, I reached out to help anyway I could. I wanted to help because it is crucial that we face our past and honour the missing and murdered Indigenous Women and Children. Not knowing isn't an option anymore. My hope is that this Art Installation will be a step forward towards increased awareness and healing. Shanta Sundarason Team Lead, TCL team Being the founding member of The Canadian Library is still very surreal. I have been a huge advocate and fighter for justice for all First Nations, Metis and Inuit Peoples since I learnt about the true history of Canada only a decade ago. I have no words to express the pain and anger at learning that there are Canadians - still to this very day - that do not have clean drinking water. To learn that children were brainwashed and abused in schools run by Christians, the very religion that I was brought up with, has been painful. To learn that missing and murdered Indigenous women were and still are treated with complete disregard disgusts me. It has been a struggle for me to come to terms with the injustices and inequality that exists here in Canada, but I am determined to do my part, to use my voice and my strengths to help make a positive difference in any way I can. I strongly believe that conversations and education is the primary solution to bringing about true reconciliation and hence my journey with the Canadian Library. I cannot be prouder of what we have achieved to date as a family of settlers and Indigenous Peoples, coming together to share and educate. We strive to learn, to understand, to demand justice and equality and to bring about true, honest, reconciliation. Chean Chan Member, TCL team I am honoured to be a part this incredible initiative, The Canadian Library. It's a huge privilege to be working alongside some of the most caring and dedicated human beings who are always willing and ready to step up to the plate no matter the task. It's a beautiful initiative by which we want to Honour, Respect and Remember the many indigenous lives lost senselessly. Being part of TLC, weather covering books, sewing the quilt, gathering information for the project has opened my eyes and heart to the injustice endured by the Indigenous peoples then and now. My greatest hope is that with this initiative we are able to educate our future generations to treat and respect all human beings, be it indigenous or otherwise, equally. ​ "I alone cannot change the World, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples." - Mother Teresa Li & Co Looking at the colours and patterns of fabrics, you can feel the richness of lifetimes of stories and histories. Henri Cheung Marketing Director, LRDG Toronto Marketing Agency While assisting the TCL team in their online PR project and the development of this website, my team and I read through every document and every story related to MMIW & Children that TCL has. We were so depressed and angry about what had happened to the Indigenous Peoples, at the same time were so touched with tears on how the TCL team build up the awareness and start this project of reconciliation. "A life without love is like a tree without fruit." - Stephen King I could not understand, how much love do you need to run a project like this. Until I met Shanta and everyone in the team, I started to realize. The 5 key ladies of TCL, all of them have a big heart, their loving character is like, every step they walked, their footprint can grow flowers. ​ The LRDG team and I truly wish TCL can touch every Canadians' heart. Let's spread the love, and let the flower and fruit blossom. Stephen Lusk As someone who has come to understand the impact of how our Indigenous communities have been treated I feel the learning opportunities presented by the Canadian Library has allowed me to research other aspects of Indigenous teachings. Specifically related to climate change and how if we only followed their traditional teachings we could have avoided the damage we are inflicting on our environment. A book that has helped in this understanding is Braiding Sweet grass by Robin Wall Kimmerer who shows how plants and animals are our oldest teachers. Michael Oyston St. Augustine CHS The Canadian Library has allowed my students to participate in an inclusive activity which supports their learning and pre vocational needs. Working with students with learning exceptionalities presents different needs than those of a traditional classroom. Being able to participate in a program that allows them to have success with a task and hold a tangible product of their work has been an inspirational experience for them. They can see the results of their work and as a teacher I can see the pride in which they take in contributing to this project. Brenda The Canadian Library project, initiated by Shanta Sundarason and her volunteer team, has been a wonderful way to raise awareness about the plight of the Indigenous people, in particular the missing and murdered women and children. All Canadians should be made aware of the suffering endured by these people, both in the past and even in the present. This amazing project brings an awareness that is visual and very emotional. ​ We must come together and do whatever we can to be a positive influence for change in the Indigenous communities and for all mankind. We need to understand other cultures and take pride in our differences. We need to instill in the hearts of all, especially in young people, the need to care for, support and to spread love to all. It is the road to peace, joy and harmony. This project is a great start in that direction. Thank you, Shanta and thanks also to all your volunteers. Kalli Secord Love participating in this great project! Thank you :) Katie Lim I have just seen the bookcase on display at the IKEA store in Vaughan. At first I didn't realize that it was something special but then I took a second look and was amazed that there was such a beautiful display of books that is sharing some powerful and important issues and stories. I have also ordered some scrunchies and bookmarks that arrived today and I wanted to let you know how beautiful they are. I would like to learn more about this project and will reach out to you in the New Year. Congratulations on creating such a meaningful project and congratulations to IKEA for also helping to share this with the public. Marie Duval I have just seen The Canadian Library installation at IKEA here in Quebec City. It is so beautiful and such a moving tribute to those lost lives. Thank you for creating such an emotional memorial. Thank you IKEA for sharing this with Quebec City. Marie Stephanie Long Heart wrenching yet stunning. What a beautiful memorial to Canada's MMIWG&children. Thank you IKEA! Thank you The Canadian Library. I will purchase some bookmarks from you. Bless you all, Steph Shane Low We were at IKEA Winnipeg today as a family and were blown away by the beautifully filled bookcase covered in glorious Indigenous fabric. We sat on the bench and together looked up the website and shared some of the sad stories as a family. Thank you for helping to create this awareness in such a beautiful way. We came home having been moved and our children will take what they have seen and learnt to school with them. The Low Family, Winnipeg. Jasmin Lindhurst Remarkable. Stunning. Thought provoking. Educational. Emotional. Beautiful. Eye catching. Heartbreaking. Michael Lim I am sitting in Honeymoon desert cafe next to your bookcase and I just wanted to let you know that I think it is one of the best messages and tools I have ever come across that shares the plight of the Indigenous families. Marie Okemaw Miigwetch! Thank you for sharing the stories of these beautiful sisters and children. Their memories will live on forever. Robert Smogg The art installation evokes so many emotions. Thank you for sharing this. Rob. Marguerite Nisbeth The art installation touches our souls. It communicates and reaches out from the shelves and passes through our eyes right into our heart where it leaves an imprint of beauty.

What is The Canadian Library? How The Canadian Library Works Indigenous Fabrics Books Bookcase The Canadian Library Micro Gallery installation art throughout Canada Honour the MMIWG2S & children Open Conversation Increase Awareness Path to Reconciliation Put a Micro Gallery in Your Organization A massive art installation combining all of the Micro Galleries, containing the names of MMIWG and children, being placed in a major museum / gallery as a permanent art piece. Permanent Remembrance Educate Canadians and Settlers Build the Future Connect all Canadians Support / Donate "Canada is committed to achieving reconciliation with Indigenous peoples through a renewed, nation-to-nation, government-to-government, and Inuit-Crown relationship based on recognition of rights, respect, co-operation, and partnership as the foundation for transformative change." Learn More

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What is The Canadian Library? The Canadian Library is a living art installation initiative created as a memorial to MMIWG and children. It is intended to start important conversations and help educate all Canadians on the true history of Canada and the inequalities that still exist today. The Cause Over the past years, we all have been emotionally affected by the discovery of the remains of thousands of Indigenous children on the grounds of residential schools. We have also become more acutely aware of the sheer number of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls (MMIWG2S ) and children. What is shocking and upsetting is the lack of support by different levels of government, authorities and the justice system to help locate these beautiful women and girls or hold the perpetrators accountable, compared to that of non-Indigenous women and children. What Led To The Creation Of TCL? TCL, along with the rest of the world, became aware of the largest unmarked mass grave of Indigenous children, found on the grounds of a former residential school. The youth at The Giving Tree Unionville, a social justice group in Markham, were impacted by these horrific discoveries. They decided to reach out to Indigenous teenagers their own age and discovered, firsthand, numerous more crimes against humanity that their communities faced and continue to face. Many of them had lost grandmothers, mothers, and sisters with little to no concern from the authorities. In September 2021, the youth held the Red Dress Project to raise awareness about the issues. Thousands of people attended, many of whom were horrified and left in tears after learning about the atrocities that have been committed against Indigenous women and children and the continuing injustices. After the Red Dress Project event, it was evident that vital talks needed to continue and a need to educate one another. After doing some research, The Canadian Library was inspired by British-Nigerian artist, Yinka Shonibare , to create this difficult but important project. Donated books and vibrant Indigenous designed fabrics will create a lasting memorial to honour lives lost. JUN 2021 SEP 2021 NOV 2021 Why Micro Gallery Art Installations? TCL strongly believes that art, which traverses many boundaries, brings people together and transforms lives. Regardless of race, language or religion, the impact that the arts have on each of us can be profound and hence our decision in creating this art installation. The Canadian Library is a living memorial to honour Indigenous women, girls and children. TCL strive to continue working with Indigenous peoples, with respect, humility and honour, to help fellow settlers understand the past, the present and what msut be done for the future. Learn More About Micro Galleries Acknowledgement We would like to acknowledge that this difficult but important project was inspired by Yinka Shonibare .

How to wrap a book with fabric by The Canadian Library