The Canadian Library Memorial Installation Ceremony – Saturday, June 15

From Mississippi Mills All My Relations

Mississippi Mills All My Relations (MMAMR) is participating in the Canadian Library, a community-engaged art initiative of 8000 books to honour Murdered and Missing Indigenous Women and Girls and 2SLGBTQIA+ people.

Various small groups in the community have wrapped 120 books with Indigenous-designed fabrics and put gold-lettered names on the spines pay tribute to the lives lost and the grief suffered by their loved ones. The names on the books have been shared by elders and families who want their stories told. Some books remain nameless to honour those who may never have a chance to tell their story.

On Saturday, June 15 at 1 p.m., a memorial ceremony at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum. The books will come together in one bookcase to be installed at the museum. Elder Barb Brant, Mohawk, Turtle Clan will lead the ceremony, with Knowledge Keeper Dylan Jenkins. Tony Belcourt, Métis Knowledge Keeper and Elder, and Mayor Christa Lowry will provide welcoming addresses. We will read and honour the names of those represented on the books.

Seating capacity is 75 people. Please register here June15Ceremony.eventbrite.ca, to ensure you have a seat. Once seating capacity is reached, people are encouraged to join for standing room only. This free event will last about an hour.

The bookcase will remain at the Mississippi Valley Textile Museum until a permanent home is determined for The Canadian Library.

For more information on The Canadian Library project, visit https://www.thecanadianlibrary.ca/.

“Through Art. We Reconcile, Reconnect, & Rebuild.” – The Canadian Library