Respect and Acknowledgement Declaration

Purpose

The FFPLTC recognizes and embraces the principles of Truth and Reconciliation with Ontario’s Indigenous population, as outlined in the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Report.

Declaration

The FFPL Board is committed to fulfilling the recommendations of the United Nations Declaration of the Rights of Indigenous Peoples (UNDRIP). To this end the FFPLTC will use this Respect and Acknowledgement statement at the beginning of all FFPL Board meetings;

“We respectfully acknowledge that the Fort Frances Public Library is located on the traditional territory of Treaty 3. We honour the land and are committed to our relationship with all First Nations, Métis and Inuit Peoples who have stewarded these lands and waters for generations.”

Collection

The FFPLTC will provide collections relating to Indigenous cultures, languages and peoples, including books, graphic novels, audio and video materials. Our collection will include titles by First Nation, Métis and Inuit authors and will include titles presented in the First Nation Communities Read program. These items will be indicated through the use of a collection sticker.

Services

The FFPLTC will provide welcoming spaces and library services to Indigenous peoples, and share elements of First Nations, Métis and Inuit culture with non-Indigenous persons.

Training

FFPLTC will implement a training plan to ensure all personnel—including staff, board members, and volunteers—are equipped with the knowledge and cultural understanding necessary to support Indigenous awareness and reconciliation efforts. This may include participation in workshops developed by local Indigenous communities, training modules about culturally respectful service practices, and the importance of incorporating Indigenous voices and perspectives in library programming and collections. The training plan will be reviewed regularly to reflect evolving understandings and community needs.