Background

The Decolonizing the Library Working Group was formed in February 2020 out of the Decolonizing the Library Task Group.  Our purpose is to implement and support the tasks and changes laid out in the Action Plan created by the Decolonizing the Library Task Group. The purpose of the Working Group is to ensure Indigenous peoples and perspectives are reflected and represented in library activities, collections, and spaces, and to appropriately acknowledge the location of SFU Libraries on Coast Salish territories. The Working Group will make efforts to align the reconciliation efforts of the Library with those of the university and broader society.

Philosophy and principles

The Working Group is guided by the philosophy “Nothing about us without us,” including and centering Indigenous voices in all we do. We recognize this work can only succeed by building reciprocal relationships and dialogue with Indigenous students, faculty, researchers, staff, and broader communities.  We affirm the principles outlined in the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous People, and we recognize and support Indigenous sovereignty.

Related Library groups

The Working Group will liaise with two other Library groups: the Equity, Diversity and Inclusion Working Group, and the small committee considering representation of Indigenous subject headings in the library catalogue. 

The Task Group on Decolonizing the Library worked from July 2018 to January 2020 to create a plan for coordinating the SFU Library's actions in response to the report of the Aboriginal Reconciliation Council at SFU.  The Task Group also considered the TRC Report & Recommendations from the Canadian Federation of Library Associations. The Task Group had a mandate to address programs, services, collections, instruction, facilities, and staff education and awareness.

Work on some tasks identified by the group began while the plan was in development.

Contact us 

Questions or comments? Please contact us at lib-arc@sfu.ca