As part of Indigenous History Month this past June, Xwi7xwa Library launched a new exhibit, featuring materials from their Indigenous language collection, on display now in the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre (IKBLC).
Leaving No One Behind, No One Outside, was curated by Kayla Lar-Son, Indigenous Programs and Services Librarian at Xwi7xwa Library, and student librarians Leah Vanderweide and Justina Bruns. The exhibit supports the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (IDIL 2022-2032), as established by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).
Kayla Lar-Son, Indigenous Programs and Services Librarian, with the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada, which was temporarily on display at IKBLC in June 2022.
“For Indigenous Peoples Month, we were inspired by the newly launched UNESCO’s decade of Indigenous Languages. The goal for the decade of Indigenous Languages is ‘leaving no one behind and no one outside,’ this not only exemplifies the fact that ability to learn and speak one’s traditional language is a human right, but also highlights the importance of language revitalization programs. For us at Xwi7xwa Library, we wanted to celebrate the diversity and complexity of Indigenous Languages in British Columbia as well as promote Indigenous Language resources and programs at UBC,” says Lar-Son. “For Indigenous peoples, languages are deeply rooted in culture and identity. As an Indigenous librarian, language collections are deeply personal to me as our languages encompass our worldviews, and our ways of knowing and being.”
Get a detailed look at other ways in which Xwi7xwa Library supports IDIL 2022-2032, and learn more about Indigenous languages in Canada through Xwi7xwa Library’s research guide.
The exhibit also included the Indigenous Peoples Atlas of Canada—a giant floor map, created by Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS) in collaboration with many others. The map was installed for a period of several days in early June on Level 2 of IKBLC, providing an interactive display element spanning over 84 square meters. Visitors were invited to explore the map by walking across and getting up close to discover a myriad of illustrated details, such as the locations of Indigenous communities, reserves and residential schools. The floor map was purchased by Xwi7xwa Library as a new library resource that will be made available for loan starting in the fall.
The exhibit display cases, which will remain installed through the summer, are open to the public on Level 2 of the Irving K. Barber Learning Centre, located on the UBC Vancouver campus.
This project is part of UBC Library’s strategic direction to engage with communities.
Learn more about our Strategic Framework.
