During Indigenous History Month, Strathcona County Library has taken a deeper, meaningful approach, offering year round Indigenous programming shaped by genuine collaboration and are kicking it off this June!
I connected with Heather, Assistant Manager of Adult Services at the Library, and Merle, Chair of the Strathcona County Indigenous Advisory Committee, to learn how this work is evolving in the heart of Sherwood Park & Strathcona County.
🎧 Listen to the full interview:
🎉 Bonus Audio: “This or That: Library Edition”
From hardcover vs. paperback to the age-old debate of library cat vs. dog, Heather and Merle took on a rapid fire round of Raven Radio’s “This or That: Library Edition.” It’s light, fun, and guaranteed to make you smile. 🐾📚
🎧 Listen here:
🧶 “Not for the Community, With the Community”
Heather oversees adult programming at the library and shared how reconciliation isn’t just a goal, it’s a practice rooted in humility and learning.
“We’ve made a commitment to take steps toward reconciliation. Not just for the community, but with the community.”
Their June lineup includes everything from preschool storytime to hands-on cultural workshops like the Three Sisters Planting and the Blanket Exercise – experiences that invite reflection and action.
You can explore upcoming and future events on the Strathcona County Library Events Calendar.
🌿 Merle’s Circular Model of Support
Merle, a passionate volunteer on the Strathcona County Indigenous Advisory Committee, spoke about the value of cross community learning:
“We come from all different backgrounds – health and safety, education, the environment and we always ask, ‘How do we support? How do we make sure we’re doing the right thing?’”
The committee not only advises the library but works with schools, community organizations, and Alexander First Nations, Enoch First Nations, and Maskwacis .
“It’s about gathering good information, talking to Elders, sharing what we learn. When we help others, we help ourselves.”
🧠 “I’m Actually Indigenous…”
One of the moving insights came from Heather, who reflected on the quiet moments that happen during programming:
“People will come up and say, ‘I’m actually Indigenous, and this is a chance to learn about my culture.’ Creating space for that feels really powerful.”
And Merle sees a shift, too. “People, especially non-Indigenous folks are showing up with curiosity, not guilt. They want to learn how to be part of positive change.”
🔄 Beyond June: A Year-Round Commitment
“We ramp up programming in June, but it’s not just a seasonal effort,” Heather shared. “We’ve already got more events planned for fall.”
Through ongoing collaboration with the Indigenous Advisory Committee, the library continues to host events like cultural learning circles, and future workshops led by community voices.
💬 Final Reflections
Heather reflected on the emotional learning curve of being a settler trying to do this work with respect:
“It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or afraid of saying the wrong thing. But if you approach with humility and a willingness to learn, people are so open to sharing. That’s the gift.”
Merle added a deeply personal story about racing to the library as a child to grab the newest Hardy Boys book, and now seeing his grandkids doing the same.
“That’s what keeps me going. It’s full circle. And I’m a curious kitten – I still want to learn everything I can.”
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