The
Canadian
Library
Through Art. We Reconcile, Reconnect, & Rebuild.
What is
The Canadian Library?
The Canadian Library is a living art installation initiative created as a memorial to Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples and the children who never returned home from residential schools.
Through remembrance, storytelling, and education, it seeks to inspire meaningful conversations and deepen understanding of Canada's shared history, the enduring impacts of colonialism, and the inequalities that continue to affect Indigenous communities today.
The Cause
Over the past several years, Canadians have been deeply affected by the discovery of the remains of thousands of Indigenous children at former residential school sites. At the same time, we have become increasingly aware of the ongoing tragedy of Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples, including women, girls, Two-Spirit people, men, boys, and children.
What remains deeply troubling is the inequity that many Indigenous families continue to face in their search for truth, justice, and accountability.
Too many cases have not received the urgency, resources, or sustained attention they deserve, leaving families and communities to carry the burden of unanswered questions and unhealed loss.
Through remembrance and education, The Canadian Library seeks to honour every life, amplify Indigenous voices, and encourage meaningful conversations that inspire understanding, accountability, and reconciliation.
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?
The Canadian Library believes that art has the power to transcend boundaries, bring people together, and inspire understanding, healing, and change. Regardless of culture, language, or background, art has the ability to connect us through our shared humanity. It is this belief that inspired the creation of The Canadian Library.
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The Canadian Library is a living memorial dedicated to honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Peoples and the children who never returned home from residential schools.
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We remain committed to working alongside Indigenous Peoples with respect, humility, and a willingness to listen and learn.
Through collaboration, education, and remembrance, we strive to help fellow Canadians better understand our shared history, the ongoing impacts of colonialism, and the role each of us can play in advancing truth, reconciliation, and lasting change.
Acknowledgement
“The Canadian Library is a project based on an original concept by British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare CBE, RA who created The British Library, 2014 in the collection of Tate Museum, UK and the other artworks in the series. The organizers of The Canadian Library acknowledge that the project constitutes a copy of Shonibare's work, reconceptualized for educational purposes in Canada. Although Shonibare had no part in this project, he has given permission for the non-commercial use of his concept.