Truth & Reconciliation
Milton Public Library
Equity and Inclusion
| 2025
Innovation Synopsis
Milton Public Library is committed to truth and reconciliation through innovative programs, collections, and partnerships that centre Indigenous voices, histories, and knowledge. From the Medicine Learning Garden and Indigenous art installations to StoryWalks, author events, and cultural training for staff, MPL creates inclusive spaces that foster dialogue, respect, and cross-cultural learning. By embedding Indigenous ways of knowing into library practice, MPL is transforming public libraries into places of reconciliation and community connection.
Challenge/Opportunity
- Lack of community understanding and awareness of Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives.
- Limited authentic Indigenous representation in public spaces, programs, and collections.
- Need to support Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action through practical, visible initiatives.
- Opportunity to strengthen partnerships with local Indigenous communities, Elders, and artists.
- Desire to embed Indigenous protocols into staff training and daily library practices.
Key Elements of Innovation
Structure & Implementation
- Partnerships: Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Six Nations of the Grand River, Grandmother’s Voice, Miinikaan, Indigenous artists.
- Activities: Medicine Learning Garden, Indigenous StoryWalks, Orange Shirt Day programming, Indigenous Story Times, murals, Indigenous bee logo, One Book One Milton with Indigenous author, staff Indigenous protocols training.
- Collections: Curated Indigenous collection purchased from GoodMinds (First Nations-owned bookstore).
- Integration of land-based learning (garden, medicines)
- Introduction of Indigenous Reading Nook featuring Indigenous items from local Residential School museum
- Embedding Indigenous protocols (smudging, tobacco ties, foods) into library operations.
- Visual representation of reconciliation through murals and art.
- Moves beyond tokenism by deeply embedding reconciliation in library practice, design, programming, and staff training.
Achieved Outcomes
Indicators of Success
- Increased Indigenous programming attendance (StoryWalks, author events, garden ceremonies).
- Expanded Indigenous collection with measurable circulation increases.
Community engagement
- One Book One Milton 2024 featured Waubgeshig Rice, fostering town-wide dialogue.
- Positive feedback from community, Indigenous partners, and staff on inclusivity and authenticity.
New Partnerships
- Collaborations with Grandmother’s Voice, Miinikaan, local Indigenous artists (Brent Beauchamp, Cassandra Bomberry).
Staff & Community Impact
- Staff trained in Indigenous protocols, leading to culturally safe spaces.
- Garden and mural created welcoming spaces honouring Indigenous knowledge.
- Strengthened trust with Indigenous communities through long-term partnerships.
