In 2020, a small group came together to create programming for the Indigenous communities in Denver. At the time, staff were offering community Talking Circles, which provided space and time to share feelings, ideas, anxieties, and special moments of life experiences. At the same time, others were developing land acknowledgement best practices. Serendipitously, these projects intersected at the right time and the Indigenous Talking Circle Committee was formed. Our aim was simple: to provide space for Indigenous and Native American voices at the library. We launched the programs in November in honor of Indigenous Peoples’ Heritage Month and the response that we received was overwhelmingly positive.
We understand the past is vocal in the present, the legacies of history are still here and cannot be erased.The land remembers and the descendents remember, and we believe our relationships with Native communities ought to be healing. We strive to bring an authentic and holistic approach to how libraries interact with and support Indigenous communities.
Listening in a deeper way and celebrating while educating infuse our work. Some of our work includes programming with many Native presenters, a Sand Creek Massacre Vigil, Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women/Missing and Murdered Indigenous Relatives programming, a Gather film documentary screening and panel discussion, storytimes and workshops, passive programming, and more. Our work is supported by library staff who work with intention and care to offer programs centered on Indigenous voices throughout the year.
We have big dreams such as providing opportunities for culturally relevant staff development and training, creating an oral history project, and maintaining meaningful relationships with community members that center on trust. At this point in time we continue to try and grow in capacity and membership. We believe in providing services that move beyond a transactional model and that work within the spirit of reciprocity.
Thank you for allowing us to introduce ourselves and for reading a little bit about our ongoing journey. We truly see how our means and our ends are inseparable as we continue to grow and learn along the way, planting intentions of positive change.
COVER:
Mural: Sangre Indígena by Bimmer Torres
Photo by Anthony Mvze
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