F20: Creating Indigenous Programming in a Regional System (rural and urban settings)
Session Description
Generously sponsored by: Vancouver Island Regional Library
This session describes the twenty month journey the Vancouver Island Regional Library embarked upon as it developed and implemented a successful Indigenous program. The session describes how the original concept of a single, urban, Indigenous residency was transformed into a more widespread strategy of 19 Elders providing programming within urban and rural communities in 20 branches of our regional system. The impetus to change the format and “revision” the original concept was the result of feedback learned directly from conversations with Elders.
This focus of this session will be to discuss the inception and creation of the initiative, the obstacles and challenges faced and how they were overcome, along with the impacts and outcomes achieved.
Speakers
Melanie Barnum, Vancouver Island Regional Library
Biography
Melanie began her post-secondary studies at the University of Regina; then worked with RBC for 11 years, completed the Administration Officer program and attained her Fellowship in the Canadian Institute of Canadian Bankers.
She then joined VIRL in 1997 where she has worked in a variety of positions within Public Services, Finance, and HR.
Melanie’s interest in bringing Indigenous programs to VIRL began in 2010 with her first trip to Haida Gwaii. Melanie led the Indigenous Voices initiative and founded an Indigenous Committee at VIRL. Melanie is currently the Divisional Manager, Office of the Executive Director for VIRL.
Jeff Strain, Vancouver Island Regional Library
Biography
Originally from Edmonton, Jeff Strain has worked in academic, government, and public libraries in Alberta, Manitoba, and BC. Jeff has been with Vancouver Island Regional Library almost three years, where he is the Adult Services Librarian for Duncan.
Prior to assuming his position at VIRL, Jeff was the Librarian for William Head Institution, the Legal Librarian for Correctional Services Canada, Pacific Region, and the archivist and social media manager for the theatre company WHoS (William Head on Stage).
Jeff is a member of VIRL’s Indigenous Committee, and has been pleased to contribute to such initiatives as the Indigenous Voices program