Truth and Reconciliation
Milton Public Library’s Commitment to Truth and Reconciliation
Milton Public Library is committed to truth and reconciliation by incorporating Indigenous voices, stories, and knowledge into its collections and programming.
Through initiatives such as expanding Indigenous-centered materials, hosting educational events, and partnering with Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation who are Halton’s Treaty Partners, local and regional Indigenous Community members, as well as Six Nations of the Grand River, MPL strives to foster understanding, respect, and meaningful dialogue. By implementing Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, the library plays a vital role in creating an inclusive space where the community can engage with Indigenous histories, cultures, and perspectives.
Land Acknowledgement:
Milton Public Library operates on treaty lands and the traditional territory of the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation, Neutral, Huron-Wendat and Haudenosaunee people.
As we centre the truth and support reconciliation across Milton, our commitment to provide the highest quality service for all is inspired by First Peoples traditional knowledge, laws, and philosophies.
“…that land’s my home. That land’s my deepest wish, my wildest dream, the only prayer and the only temple I’m ever gonna need.”
― Richard Wagamese, Starlight
Honouring Indigenous Voices
Milton Public Library proudly celebrates Indigenous authors, artists, and Elders through meaningful programs and initiatives designed to foster cross-cultural learning and understanding. Some highlights of these efforts include:
This hands-on, experiential workshop provided staff and community with an opportunity to explore Canada’s history of colonization and its lasting impact on Indigenous peoples. The Blanket Exercise encouraged reflection on the relationships between Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities and the steps needed to rebuild them.
Children shared their thoughts on reconciliation by writing meaningful messages on leaf cutouts, which were displayed prominently at all library branches. This initiative served as a visual reminder of the collective commitment to truth and reconciliation.
Each MPL branch displayed the Survivors’ Flag to honor residential school Survivors and recognize the enduring impacts of the residential school system in Canada. The flags symbolized remembrance, resilience, and the importance of reconciliation.
Learn more about the survivor flag here.
MPL staff have undergone a number of training sessions, seminars and conferences, including the 4 Seasons of Reconciliation training offered by Reconciliation Education. This training has deepened our understanding Indigenous histories and cultures. This training supports our ongoing efforts to decolonize library services and spaces.
Each season, MPL opens the Medicine Learning Garden with knowledge sharing and blessings from Indigenous Elders, marking the start of a season of growth and learning. The garden’s closing ceremony celebrates the harvest and the community’s shared experiences. Both instances offer a time to celebrate the many efforts of MPL volunteers and Indigenous partners in maintaining the garden for the community to enjoy.
The Milton Public Library offers a unique outdoor reading experience, combining nature and literacy through its story walks. Current and upcoming Indigenous story walks include: Biindigen! Amik Says Welcome by Nancy Cooper and The Animal People Choose a Leader by Richard Wagamese.
Explore our programming page to discover a vast array of programs for all ages, including enriching Indigenous programs available year-round.
Medicine Learning Garden at Beaty
Milton Public Library was the proud recipient of a $50,000 grant from the Government of Canada’s Healthy Communities Initiative. Partnering with local Indigenous organizations Grandmother’s Voice and Miinikaan, the introduction of the Garden brought new life to the Beaty Branch and inspires a more inclusive and vibrant community space centered around the Indigenous ways of knowing about the land, plants, and medicines.
A Medicine Learning Garden was introduced at the Beaty Branch in 2022. The community is welcome to explore the garden throughout the year, though the garden officially opens each year in May and closes in October. Visit the Medicine Learning Garden page for more information.
‘Medicines’ Mural Painting by: Cassandra Bomberry
On June 1st, 2023, in celebration of National Indigenous History Month, Milton Public Library unveiled ‘Medicines’, a beautiful four-panel mural painted by local Indigenous artist Cassandra Bomberry. The mural is located in the entrance atrium at the Beaty Branch.
“‘Medicines’ is inspired by the medicines planted in the library’s garden and the plants surrounding the area. Growing up, I was thankful to be surrounded by nature and grateful for its power to uplift my spirts. I wanted this mural to create that same sense of positivity and wellbeing for the visitors of this library. In the same way books can educate us, the natural world has an abundance of knowledge for us to learn from. I hope to honour nature with this painting and remind us of the important relationship we have with the natural world.”
– Cassandra Bomberry
Indigenous Collection
Milton Public Library is proud to offer an extensive Indigenous collection that highlights the voices and stories of Indigenous authors, artists, and Elders. This collection includes physical books and eResources, reflecting Indigenous knowledge, culture, and history. It has been thoughtfully curated to support reconciliation, inspire learning, and foster cross-cultural understanding.
Visit the Collection to explore stories that honor tradition, truth, and resilience.
One Book, One Milton 2024
For the first time, Milton Public Library was proud to feature Waubgeshig Rice, an Indigenous author from Ontario, for its annual One Book, One Milton 2024 event.
With OBOM, MPL encourages the entire community to come together by reading a single book, fostering shared experiences and meaningful conversations. With the selection of Moon of the Turning Leaves by an acclaimed Indigenous author, MPL aimed to shine a spotlight on Indigenous culture and literature.
