
Moving Through Collection now on display in the Berwick Library, through the month of February
Nearly every day the news shows us the need to move through prejudice and demeaning stereotypes. In January 2020, funding was secured to create an art and a book display celebrating Indigenous voices. Through this project we work together to embrace the spirit of the Peace and Friendship Treaties. This project was funded by the Larry Moore Fund from the Ontario Library Association, and a matching donation from a local library supporter.
The display features books by Indigenous authors, celebrating and documenting the Indigenous perspective. It includes materials for children, teens, and adults, and art made by Mia and Justice Curry, from Bear River First Nations community. You can even see a video about the art on our YouTube channel.

Using the principles of the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action, Moving Through incorporates Indigenous ways of knowing and doing to the development of programs, library spaces, and materials, helps build relationships between Annapolis Valley Regional Library and three area First Nations communities of Annapolis Valley, Bear River, and Glooscap, and strengthens literacy connections for local Indigenous families. Through education, Book Talking Circles, language workshops, and programming, the Moving Through project will work to eliminate demeaning stereotypes, foster social inclusion, and deepen cultural appreciation. By hiring Indigenous artists and performers, this project will showcase Mi’kmaq culture.
This book collection and display will accompany cultural events, providing literacy opportunities for Mi’kmaq cultural expression. Mi’kmaw language speakers will present workshops and talks. AVRL has subscribed to the Mi'kmaq Maliseet Nations News for our branches in Annapolis Royal, Berwick, and Hantsport. We are currently in the planning stages for more programs, such as our popular Nature Ornament and Miniature Wigwam kits. Stay tuned for upcoming art kits!
This project has been made possible [in part] by the Government of Canada. Ce projet a été rendu possible [en partie] grâce au gouvernement duCanada. Ki’jka na suliewey wejia'q koplnu’ltuk.