MMAMR is participating in the Canadian Library, a community-engaged art initiative of 8000 books to honour Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQQTIA+ people. Books wrapped in Indigenous-designed fabrics and imprinted with gold-lettered names on the spines pay tribute to the lives lost and the grief suffered by their loved ones. The names on the books have been shared by elders and families who want their stories told. Some books remain nameless to honour those who may never have a chance to tell their story.

Micro Libraries

Groups and organizations throughout the country are building temporary micro libraries which will become part of the final Canadian Library once a permanent location is determined. MMAMR has created a six-shelf-bookcase micro library.

Community Participation

Several community gatherings were held to build the micro library. An important aspect of each gathering included time for reflection, sharing, learning, and acknowledging the loss and injustice suffered by the Indigenous community.

Over 100 individuals, including 32 high school students, participated in the book coverings.

To increase awareness and to open conversations, five downtown stores, two libraries, and the high school displayed the books and the Canadian Library poster in their windows, indoor spaces, and display cases for two to three months.

Memorial Installation Ceremony – June 15, 2024

On June 15, 2024, a memorial ceremony was held at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum to honour the 120 Indigenous women, girls and 2SLGBTQTIA+ people represented in our community installation. All 120 books, personalized or left nameless to represent those whose stories are yet to be told, came together in one bookcase to form a micro library for Canadian Library.

Elder Barb Brant, Mohawk, Turtle Clan led the ceremony and shared teachings, with Knowledge Keeper Dylan Jenkins, Swampy Cree. Tony Belcourt, Métis Knowledge Keeper and Elder, Mayor Christa Lowry, and Roberta Della Picca, Bonnechere Algonquin, contributed welcomes, songs and drumming.

Over 90 people attended. The ceremony was a powerful experience for everyone involved and a meaningful local action towards reconciliation.

Permanent Installation

The books have now been installed in their temporary home at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum until a permanent national location is found to bring all the books from each community together.

“Through Art. We Reconcile, Reconnect, & Rebuild.”  

 The Canadian Library