Resources

TPL's Programs and Initiatives

Native Peoples Collection
The Native Peoples Collection includes books, CDs and DVDs, as well as language-learning kits, by and about the Indigenous Peoples of North America with special emphasis on First Nations, Métis, and Inuit peoples in Canada
Read Indigenous
Read Indigenous is a yearly list of must-read titles written by Indigenous authors, writers, illustrators and knowledge keepers for all ages. The list is just a selection and there are many more you can read. So don't stop here. The titles have been selected with Toronto Public Library's Indigenous Advisory Council.
Indigenous Celebrations programs
A festival of Indigenous cultures and heritage, where we celebrate First Nations, Métis and Inuit heritage by presenting Indigenous storytelling and literature, as well as discussions on history and current issues.

Wampum: Not Museum Artifacts but Original Treaties! by Wendy M (Toronto Reference Library Blog, Sep. 21, 2018)
A blog post by a librarian learning about wampum and its significance with making treaties.
Remembering the Toronto Purchase and its Settlement: June 8: Snapshots in History by John P. (Local History & Genealogy Blog, Jun. 10, 2018)
A blog post by a librarian sharing information within our library about the Toronto Purchase.
We Are All Treaty People by Melanie (Toronto Reference Library Blog, Dec. 8, 2016)
A blog post talking about how everyone who lives in Canada is a treaty person. This blog post also shares resources available to learn more about treaties at Toronto Public Library.

Naagan ge bezhig emkwaan / A Dish with One Spoon Reconsidered
Long before Europeans arrived, the Anishinaabe occupied territory which includes parts of present-day Ontario, Michigan and Ohio. The resources found there are integral to their way of life and identity. The Anishinaabe defended this territory, and its integrity was at the core of the peace they concluded in Montreal in 1701, a key element of which was the Naagan ge bezhig , or Dish with One spoon. Recently, however, the Dish with One Spoon has been popularized as an agreement to protect the environment. Researchers Victor Lytwn and Dean Jacobs provide a history and overview of the Dish with One Spoon from an Anishinaabe perspective, while explaining how its incorporation into "land recognition statements" is damaging to First Nations who seek to protect their territories and resources.

Matthew Robert Anderson “Learning the Land: Walking the Talk of Indigenous Land Acknowledgements” The Conversation, Oct. 30, 2019
This article talks about learning about what is meant by unceded and traditional territories, and understanding relationships to the Land.
Selena Mills “What are Land Acknowledgements and Why Do They Matter?” Local Love Magazine, Mar. 18, 2019
This article talks about “the importance of land acknowledgements—and shares perspectives about this newly popular form of reconciliation.” (Summary from Local Love Magazine).

Native Land
An online mapping resource that shows territories, languages and treaties on Indigenous lands around the world.
Whose Land
An online mapping resource that shows territories and treaty agreements on Indigenous lands.
Mississaugas of the Credit First Nations – Treaty Lands & Territory
A website by the Mississaugas of the Credit First Nation outlining traditional territories, treaties and land claims.
Six Nations – Lands & Resources
A website by Six Nations discussing the Haldimand Treaty of 1784 and land claim summaries.
Specific Claims Research Centre – The Toronto Purchase Specific Claim
This page shares information about the Toronto Purchase Specific Claim.
Taiaiako’n Historical Preservation Society
A website about the Taiaiako’n Historical Preservation Society.
First Story Toronto runs guided walking tours across the City. CBC News Toronto, Jun. 21, 2017.
A news article talking about First Story Toronto, which runs walking tours in the City of Toronto.

"Land Acknowledgements: uncovering an oral history of Tkaronto" Uploaded by Local Love Magazine on YouTube, Nov. 5, 2018
“The GTA has been home to Indigenous peoples for millennia. Here, Sara Roque and Selena Mills share their reflections on this land. Illustrations by Chief Lady Bird.” (summary by Local Love Magazine on YouTube).
Tkaronto & Turtle Island: The Remarkable Indigenous Trade Networks. Uploaded by Myseum of Toronto on YouTube, Jan. 2, 2019.
“From corn to copper and countless resources in between, the Indigenous peoples’ relationship to land and water in Tkarón:to and on Turtle Island runs deep. With hundreds of nations being connected through trade routes, including waterway systems navigated by canoe, the resourcefulness of the Indigenous peoples is as prolific as the goods that were traded.” (Summary from Myseum of Toronto).

If you have any questions or comments, please contact: indigenousinitiatives@torontopubliclibrary.ca