For immediate release:
EDMONTON, AB, March 17, 2016 – The Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC) published their final report with recommendations in December 2015. In response to this report, the Edmonton Public Library (EPL), through collaboration with the Aboriginal community, will provide opportunities throughout 2016 for Edmontonians to develop a deeper understanding of reconciliation and how it impacts all Canadians.
“EPL is a place that challenges people to critically reflect and have conversations about our community,” said Pilar Martinez, Chief Executive Officer of EPL. “Our goal is to help Edmontonians expand their awareness about and knowledge of what reconciliation means for our city and across the country.”
The Exploring Reconciliation series will feature a number of events throughout the year for Edmontonians of all ages. In 2016 we will continue the Amiskwaciy History Series project, host various speakers including Patti Laboucane-Benson, host book clubs focused on Canadian Indigenous literature, acknowledge National Metis Week and more. EPL will also recognize the anniversary of the release of the Truth and Reconciliation Report and Recommendations.
To kick off this groundbreaking series of events, EPL and Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton (RISE) will launch the book In This Together: Fifteen Stories of Truth and Reconciliation. In This Together is a collection of essays by Indigenous and non-Indigenous contributors from across Canada grappling with the harsh reality of colonization. Local contributors to the book and editor Danielle Metcalfe-Chenail, Edmonton’s Historian Laureate, will discuss their experiences and assumptions about the racial divide in Canada.
Event Details:
When: Wednesday, March 30
Time: 6:30 - 8:30 p.m.
Where: Stanley A. Milner Library Theatre
This event is sponsored by the City of Edmonton Indigenous Relations Office, the Edmonton Heritage Council, the Edmonton Historical Board and RISE.
For more information on the Exploring Reconciliation series including the kickoff event, visit epl.ca/reconciliation.
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About the Edmonton Public Library
The Edmonton Public Library (EPL) is proud to be 2014 Library of the Year! We’ve come a long way since 1913 when books were all you could find on our shelves… and we’re just getting started! Today, EPL carries everything you care about. We are Edmonton’s largest lender of all manner of information and entertainment. Our professionally trained staff take you beyond Google with the knowledge, discernment and desire to help you navigate a universe of information. The second most visited place in Edmonton, every year EPL hosts over 14 million in-branch and online visits across our 20 branches and website. We deliver our incredible content to you everywhere – in the library, at home or on your handheld device. Unmatched access and unrivalled value – that is today’s EPL. EPL is a registered charity and relies on donations to enhance services. Spread the words. www.epl.ca/give
About Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton
Reconciliation in Solidarity Edmonton (RISE) is a group of citizens in the Edmonton region committed to supporting reconciliation in words and actions. Founded in 2015 in response to the one year anniversary of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission National Event in Edmonton, RISE is made up of people from all walks of life committed to moving reconciliation forward in our community. We share information and ideas with the broader community, and create opportunities for conversations around better relationships with Aboriginal people.
For more information, contact
Heather McIntyre
Marketing Communications Specialist
Edmonton Public Library
780-496-7055
hmcintyre@epl.ca
