Ottawa, September 11, 2017 — The University of Alberta has developed a free MOOC (Massive Open Online Course) entitled Indigenous Canada. This course explores Indigenous histories and contemporary issues in Canada from an Indigenous perspective, and is designed for anyone with an interest in acquiring a basic familiarity with Indigenous history and issues.

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations-Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB) and its Indigenous Matters Committee is pleased to promote this course to libraries across the country. To support libraries in engaging participation in this course, CFLA-FCAB has created an online toolkit, with basic programming and evaluation components to use in the promotion and implementation of the course at local libraries. The toolkit will be available on September 11, 2017 date on the Indigenous Resources hub of the CFLA-FCAB website. The kit was developed with the support of CFLA-FCAB Indigenous Matters Committee, Edmonton Public Library, Northern Lights Library System, Toronto Public Library and the University of Alberta.

“Truth and Reconciliation is one of CFLA-FCAB’s main priorities, so this announcement is especially significant for us,” said Peter Bailey, Chair of CFLA-FCAB. “The University of Alberta created an interesting, dynamic course that is relevant to all Canadians, and we are excited to connect more people to this free and enriching educational opportunity.”

CFLA-FCAB released the Truth & Reconciliation Committee report outlining a path forward for respecting Indigenous culture. The report includes ten overarching recommendations to achieve its mandate of promoting initiatives to all types of libraries to advance reconciliation by supporting the Truth and Reconciliation Commission Calls to Action and to promote collaboration on these issues across Canadian library, archives and cultural memory communities.

The Canadian Federation of Library Associations/Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB) is the national voice of Canada’s library associations. CFLA-FCAB strives to advance library excellence in Canada, champion library values and the value of libraries and influence national and international public policy impacting libraries and their communities.

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Camille Callison
Chair, Indigenous Matters Committee & Indigenous Representative on the Board of
Canadian Federation of Library Associations-Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB) and
Indigenous Services Librarian, University of Manitoba
Camille.Callison@umanitoba.ca

For enquiries please contact:
Katherine McColgan
Executive Director
Canadian Federation of Library Associations-Fédération canadienne des associations de bibliothèques (CFLA-FCAB)
kmccolgan@cfla-fcab.ca