News & Events
Five more First Nations to get libraries
December 18, 2008
The grand opening of the new library at the Peguis First Nation is a sign of things to come.
The facility, the only one of its kind on a First Nation in Manitoba, will be followed by other provincially supported libraries on First Nations in Manitoba.,
"We hope to establish a minimum of six libraries on First Nations during this term in office," Tom Nevakshonoff, the NDP MLA for the Interlake told the crowd gathered inside the Peguis library thid fall. The NDP's third term must end sometime before the summer of 2112.
The Peguis library can also be used by people from nearby First Nations such as Fisher River and Kinonjeoshtegon, as well as non-Aboriginal communities in the region.
The decision to develop a library at Peguis can be traced to the reaction of Edwin McCorister, the superintendent of education. He had been at a conference in Brandon and he was "shocked" to find out that there were 117 community libraries in Manitoba, but none were on First Nations. He followed up on this issue as Peguis decided development of activities for children and youth in which the entire family could participate.
Grand Chief Morris Swan Shannacappo of the Southern Chiefs told the opening ceremony that work done by Edwin McCorrister and new librarian Lois Mercredie showed that a person doesn't have to be elected to demonstrate leadership. What they did for the community is very valuable.
It still hasn't been decided which other First Nations will get libraries during the NDP's time in office.