The Innisfil ideaLAB & Library is inviting residents to celebrate National Indigenous History Month and Pride Season throughout June with a series of programs focused on learning, storytelling, creativity, and community connection.
A highlight of the month is participation in The Canadian Library Project, a national memorial honouring Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women, Girls, and Two-Spirit people (MMIWG2S). During a special event at the Lakeshore Branch on Tuesday, June 9th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., participants will help create memorial pieces by wrapping books in Indigenous-inspired fabrics and adding the names and stories of MMIWG2S individuals. The grassroots initiative aims to wrap 8,000 books across Canada as a tribute to lives lost and a call for continued awareness and action.
Pride celebrations will continue with a Pride-themed Book Chat on Thursday, June 11th from 6:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m., where readers can discuss 2SLGBTQ+ literature, share favourite titles, and discover new stories in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Families can also take part in a series of special storytimes. Pride Storytimes will feature affirming stories, songs, and crafts at the Lakeshore Branch on:
- Friday, June 5th
- Saturday, June 6th
- Wednesday, June 24th
Indigenous Storytimes celebrating Indigenous authors, illustrators, and cultures will be held on:
- Tuesday, June 16th
- Friday, June 19th
- Saturday, June 20th
An additional session is scheduled for Wednesday, July 8th.
On June 20th, residents can participate in two Indigenous-focused programs presented in partnership with the Town of Innisfil. The Remembering Garden, Garden Walk and Caretaking event will run from 2:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m., offering an opportunity to learn about Indigenous plants and traditional medicines while helping care for the Indigenous medicine garden. Later that afternoon, Indigenous Medicine Garden Coordinator Tanya Gluvakov will lead a Clay Turtle Workshop from 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., exploring teachings connected to spring renewal through hands-on clay sculpting.
Throughout the month, the library is also highlighting reading recommendations featuring Indigenous, Black, racialized, and 2SLGBTQ+ authors and storytellers, encouraging residents to explore diverse voices and experiences.
As part of its commitment to Truth and Reconciliation, the library continues to offer free memberships to First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people living in Ontario, providing access to physical collections, digital resources, programs, and library spaces.
Registration is required for select programs.
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- Rick.Sargent@LocalRadio.ca (Bolton)
If you’d like to get ahold of me personally, shoot me a message at Cameron.Wilkinson@LocalRadio.ca. We’re in the business of content creation, so no idea is a bad idea.
